A Houthi missile attack on a government military camp in southern Yemen resulted in the death of 73 new recruits, marking the deadliest incident since the country’s conflict intensified three months ago, as per a senior Yemeni government official. The victims, aged between 18 and 20, were targeted by Iranian-aligned rebels at the al-Alam training camp in Shabwa province. This attack was part of an escalation in fighting that began when the government forces and the Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes on Houthi-controlled Sanaa International Airport in July, breaching a ceasefire agreement that had reduced hostilities in the civil war.
The strike, carried out while recruits were in formation for a training session, left many casualties, with over 200 recruits wounded. These recruits were undergoing training to enhance security in Shabwa and were not involved in combat activities, according to the provincial governor.
The camp’s strategic location in the Jardan district, north of Ataq, serves as a vital supply route linking to Marib province, a key area for the Yemeni government due to its oil and gas resources. The ongoing conflict has caused immense suffering in Yemen, with over 150,000 fatalities and a severe humanitarian crisis since it erupted in 2014.
Amidst these events, the UK announced an expansion of military support to Saudi Arabia against the Houthis, including defensive air patrols by Royal Air Force jets to safeguard Saudi cities and infrastructure from Houthi missile and drone attacks. It was emphasized that the UK’s involvement is solely defensive, without engaging in offensive actions against the rebels.
Additionally, British military personnel and resources will be deployed to Saudi Arabia to enhance defensive capabilities. This decision follows a previous commitment by the UK to provide in-air refueling for Saudi aircraft operating against the Houthis, extending the mission for another 90 days. The UK government reiterated its stance that a sustainable resolution to the Yemen conflict lies in a UN-led political process rather than through military means.