Houthi attacks in Yemen kill at least 17 civilians

Houthi rebel attacks in Yemen have resulted in the deaths of at least 17 civilians in government-controlled areas since August 6. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk warned that the escalating conflict is causing an increasing number of civilian casualties and urged all parties to reduce tensions to prevent further suffering.

In Hodeidah, ballistic missile strikes east of Al-Khokha killed at least three civilians, including a 13-year-old child. Additionally, a missile strike on August 7 hit a displaced persons camp in Ma’rib, wounding several people. While a relative truce has existed since April 2022, fighting has recently resumed in provinces such as Marib, Al-Jawf, Al-Dhale’a, and Taiz.

The Houthi group, formally known as Ansar Allah, controls approximately one-third of Yemen's territory, including the capital, Sana'a, and the strategic port of Hodeida. The conflict involves the Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council and the Houthi rebels, who are accused of receiving support from Iran.