Yemen's Houthi rebels accused the Saudi Arabian Air Force of conducting airstrikes on a shopping area around the central market of Taiz on Sunday, resulting in at least seven deaths and numerous injuries. The Houthi-run health ministry described the incident as an 'abominable crime' and vowed to retaliate. The claims made by the Houthis have not been independently verified.
Footage aired by the Houthis' Al-Masirah TV showed large plumes of smoke and a destroyed warehouse containing food supplies. The report indicated that children were among those injured, according to the Houthi health ministry.
Taiz is currently controlled by Yemeni government forces but has been under siege by Houthi fighters and is a significant battleground in the ongoing civil war. The recent escalation follows the breakdown of a fragile truce between the Yemeni government and the Houthis, amid rising regional tensions related to the conflict involving Iran.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed that Saudi Arabia launched two air raids targeting the market, stating that blood was 'unjustly and aggressively spilled.' In contrast, troops loyal to the internationally recognized Yemeni government confirmed that their air force had conducted strikes on a Houthi depot and vehicles in the area.
The civil war in Yemen began in 2014 when the Houthis took control of the capital, Sanaa, from the Saudi-backed government. Saudi Arabia intervened the following year, leading an international coalition against the Houthis. Despite this, Yemeni government forces have struggled to repel recent Houthi offensives, which have intensified in September, including the seizure of Yemen's entire Red Sea coast and a blockade on Saudi energy exports.
Renewed clashes are occurring in various regions, displacing at least 125,000 people. The Yemeni government has called for general mobilization, urging citizens to join the military and security forces. Yemen continues to face a severe humanitarian crisis, being one of the poorest countries in the world.