Houthi Ballistic Missile Strike Kills 53 Recruits at Yemen Military Camp
The assault marks the deadliest incident for Yemeni government forces since a 2022 truce collapsed and threatens vital energy infrastructure in southern Yemen.
Iran-backed Houthi forces launched ballistic missiles on Monday, striking a military training camp in Yemen's southern province of Shabwa. At least three missiles hit the al-Alam base while newly recruited personnel stood in formation for a training session.
The attack killed at least 53 recruits and wounded more than 200, according to the Shabwa provincial government and military officials. Earlier government and military estimates placed the toll at at least 50 dead and between 70 and 100 wounded before victims succumbed to their injuries.
Hospitals in the provincial capital of Ataq were overwhelmed, prompting public appeals for blood donations. Emergency workers transferred critically injured patients to medical centers in Aden and Hadramout province. Fahad al-Khalifi, deputy governor of Shabwa, confirmed that local clinics could not manage the influx and several victims remained in critical condition.
Majed al-Nuzaili, a spokesperson for the Yemeni armed forces, identified the camp in Jardan district as an active training facility for police personnel. The Houthi-run Saba news agency reported that Houthi forces claimed responsibility, stating the missiles targeted gatherings of the Saudi enemy.
The Shabwa provincial administration condemned the attack as a treacherous military escalation and noted that fatality counts were preliminary. Provincial leaders asked the presidency and the Saudi-led coalition to urgently send air-defense equipment. The internationally recognized government called the high death toll among young recruits a disaster.
The strike was the deadliest single event for government forces since fighting resumed after the collapse of a 2022 ceasefire. It followed weekend airstrikes blamed on the Saudi-led coalition, including an attack in Saada province. Houthi health officials said that raid killed nine people, including five children and two women.
Tensions rose after Houthi forces advanced toward the Bab al-Mandab strait in September and captured the port of Mokha. Government forces later launched a counteroffensive to reclaim coastal territory. Houthis also increased cross-border strikes against Saudi infrastructure, including repeated attempts targeting Riyadh's airport.
The al-Alam camp sits in an energy-rich area near oil reserves and the Balhaf liquefied natural gas export terminal. A military source said Houthi fighters cut a main road linking Shabwa with Al-Bayda province the previous day. Commanders warned that the missile strikes and closures could prepare for a ground offensive toward local energy assets.
Yemeni authorities plan an official inquiry into why unprotected recruits were gathered and left exposed at the base. Saudi Arabia called off an international investment summit because of regional security concerns and persistent cross-border attacks.
