Yemeni army strikes Houthis after escalation

Yemen’s internationally-recognised government said on Monday it had launched retaliatory strikes against Houthi positions after the Iran-backed group intensified attacks on military targets across the country. The government described the strikes as “necessary defensive measures,” warning that any further escalation would trigger a broader confrontation. Houthi officials did not immediately comment, but the group has repeatedly accused the Yemeni army and its Saudi-led coalition backers of ongoing aggression.

The latest flare-up comes after months of sporadic fighting in Yemen’s north and east, where the Houthis have launched drone and missile strikes targeting airbases, government facilities, and infrastructure. The government accuses Iran of supplying advanced weapons to the Houthis, allowing them to expand their range and precision. Analysts say the escalation reflects a breakdown in fragile ceasefire talks brokered last year, with both sides blaming each other for violating truce terms. The UN has warned that renewed large-scale fighting could derail aid deliveries to millions already suffering from famine and disease.

Military sources told local media that at least three Houthi training camps in Marib and Al-Jawf were hit in the overnight raids, with reports of civilian casualties in surrounding areas. The Yemeni army claimed it destroyed several drones and missile launchers, but independent verification remains limited due to restricted access. International observers have expressed concern that the tit-for-tat violence could spill over into wider regional instability, particularly as tensions between Iran and Gulf states remain high.

What happens next may depend on whether either side signals willingness to return to negotiations. The Houthis have previously used battlefield gains to extract political concessions, while the Yemeni government insists it will not tolerate further attacks on its sovereignty. Diplomatic efforts led by Oman and the UN have stalled, leaving civilians caught in the crossfire. With food prices rising and health services collapsing, aid groups warn that even a short escalation could push millions closer to disaster.