Houthi attacks kill at least 30 Yemeni government troops

Yemen’s long‑running conflict has reached a new, grim milestone, with the latest series of attacks between Houthi rebels and government forces recorded as the deadliest in several years. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the combined toll of the recent clashes rose to more than 350 civilians killed and over 1,200 wounded, a sharp increase from the previous peak of roughly 200 deaths in the same period last year. The violence, concentrated around the capital Sanaa and the eastern port of Aden, involved air strikes, artillery shelling, and rocket fire, with several densely populated districts and humanitarian facilities among the hardest hit.

The escalation follows a brief lull that began in early March, when both sides had agreed to a temporary ceasefire to allow aid deliveries. Analysts note that the Houthi movement has intensified its use of surface‑to‑air missiles and drone attacks, while government forces—backed by Saudi‑led coalition air power—have responded with heavier bombardments. Humanitarian agencies warn that the surge in hostilities threatens to collapse already fragile supply chains, jeopardising food security and access to medical care for millions of Yemenis. The United Nations has called for an immediate, comprehensive ceasefire and urged all parties to respect international humanitarian law.

In the wake of the latest casualties, the Yemeni government has pledged to increase security operations in contested areas, while the Houthis have reiterated their demand for a political settlement that addresses their grievances over marginalisation and economic hardship. International observers remain cautious, noting that the conflict’s entrenched nature and the involvement of external actors make a swift resolution unlikely. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with several countries urging restraint and the resumption of diplomatic talks to prevent further civilian suffering.