Yemen's internationally recognised government has accused Houthi forces of launching ballistic missiles targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure in Aden, the country's interim capital, raising fresh concerns about the safety of residents as fighting intensifies across the war-torn nation.
According to a statement by Yemeni military spokesperson Majed Al-Nuzaili, the latest missile attack occurred on Friday, November 13. He described the incident as a serious escalation and accused the Iran-backed Houthi movement of repeatedly targeting civilian communities and essential infrastructure.
The military spokesperson said the attack threatened the safety of residents and demonstrated that civilians across Yemen remained vulnerable, regardless of where they lived.
However, authorities had not provided a confirmed casualty figure or detailed damage assessment for the latest reported strike at the time of publication.
Yemeni Military Accuses Houthis of Targeting Civilian Areas
Al-Nuzaili said the missile attack was part of a wider pattern of violence against civilian areas and vital infrastructure.
He accused the Houthis of directing attacks towards populated locations in response to battlefield setbacks and warned that such actions violated international humanitarian law.
The spokesperson held the Houthi movement responsible for the consequences of the reported attack.
He also warned that the latest missile strikes would not prevent government forces from continuing their military operations.
According to the military statement, government forces would continue taking measures to protect civilians and state institutions while pursuing their ongoing Operation Dawn of Yemen.
The allegations come amid an intensifying military campaign involving government forces and Houthi fighters across several Yemeni provinces.
Houthis Previously Targeted Strategic Facilities in Aden
Friday's reported missile attack follows several previous incidents involving ballistic missiles and other weapons targeting strategic locations in Aden.
On October 28, a missile attack on Aden International Airport reportedly injured civilians, damaged infrastructure and disrupted flight operations, according to Yemeni authorities.
The Houthis have also been accused of targeting other important facilities, including the Maashiq Presidential Palace compound and military installations.
In a separate development, the Houthi movement claimed responsibility for a missile attack targeting a gathering of Saudi officers at the Jabal Hadid military camp in Aden.
The group's affiliated media outlet reported that the operation targeted Saudi military personnel. However, details about casualties and the extent of damage from that particular attack were not immediately established.
The repeated attacks have increased concerns about the security of Aden, which serves as the temporary seat of Yemen's internationally recognised government.
Yemen's Government Continues Military Operations Against Houthi Forces
The latest missile incident comes as Yemeni government forces report intensified military operations against Houthi positions across several battlefronts.
On Friday, the Yemeni military said its forces had carried out 943 strikes against Houthi positions and military assets.
The operations reportedly included 18 airstrikes, 21 drone attacks, 27 rocket-launcher strikes and 877 field-artillery strikes.
Military spokespersons said the operations targeted Houthi fortifications, firing positions, vehicles, reinforcements and other military installations.
The army also claimed that 221 Houthi commanders and fighters had been killed or wounded during the operations.
It further reported that 73 military vehicles, equipment and heavy machinery had been destroyed or damaged.
These figures were provided by the Yemeni military and have not been independently verified.
The fighting has reportedly intensified in provinces including Taiz, Marib and Al-Jawf, where government forces and Houthi fighters continue to battle for control of strategic positions and supply routes.
United Nations Warns of Growing Humanitarian Crisis
Beyond the military confrontation, the renewed fighting is worsening an already severe humanitarian emergency.
The United Nations reported on Thursday that more than 333,000 people had been displaced across Yemen since August as a result of the renewed conflict.
More than 140,000 displaced people were reportedly sheltering in Taiz governorate, where continuing hostilities have disrupted humanitarian access and essential services.
Families forced to leave their homes face shortages of food, clean drinking water, healthcare and adequate shelter.
The humanitarian situation is particularly concerning for children, elderly people and individuals requiring medical assistance.
Continued attacks on populated areas and essential infrastructure risk making it increasingly difficult for humanitarian organisations to reach communities affected by the conflict.
Who Controls Aden and Why Is the City Strategically Important?
Aden is one of Yemen's most strategically important southern cities and serves as the temporary capital of the internationally recognised government.
The city is home to important government institutions, military facilities, commercial infrastructure and a major port.
Its geographical position along the Gulf of Aden also makes it significant for regional shipping and security.
The Houthi movement, which seized Yemen's capital, Sanaa, in September 2014, controls large parts of northern and western Yemen.
The internationally recognised government and its allied forces maintain control over substantial areas in the south and east, although territorial control remains contested in several regions.
The division of the country has contributed to years of instability, political fragmentation and repeated military confrontations.
International Concerns Grow as Fighting Continues
The latest allegations involving ballistic missile attacks on Aden highlight the continuing danger facing civilians in Yemen.
International humanitarian law requires all parties involved in armed conflict to distinguish between civilians and military targets and to take precautions to protect civilian populations.
Deliberate attacks against civilians and civilian objects are prohibited.
The allegations made by the Yemeni military therefore require serious attention, independent investigation and accountability where violations are established.
The Houthi movement has also made claims about its military operations, including attacks against Saudi personnel and military facilities. Such claims must be assessed separately from the allegations made by government forces.
As fighting continues across Yemen, international organisations and diplomatic partners face renewed pressure to support efforts to protect civilians, restore humanitarian access and prevent further escalation.
For residents of Aden and other conflict-affected communities, the immediate concern remains the threat posed by continued missile attacks and military operations.
With more than 333,000 people reportedly displaced since August, Yemen's conflict is once again creating serious consequences for civilians who have already endured years of war, economic hardship and humanitarian suffering.