Yemen’s government says Houthi attack on al-Makha kills at least four

Yemen's internationally recognized government reports that Iran-backed Houthis attacked the Red Sea port city of al-Makha on Friday, firing six ballistic missiles. The government states the attack killed at least four civilians and set several fishing boats ablaze, though an unnamed military official cited eight deaths, including two security personnel. The Houthis claim they targeted military buildups, weapons, and warships belonging to Saudi-backed forces and "mercenaries" in al-Makha, destroying boats and weapons. This escalation occurs amidst rising regional tensions, with the Houthis also claiming to have targeted an Aramco facility in Najran, Saudi Arabia, with a drone in response to alleged Saudi airspace violations.

Three Pakistani nationals were among six people killed in an attack by Houthi rebels on a ship in the Bab el-Mandeb strait off Yemen. Pakistan's Foreign Minister condemned the attack, highlighting its threat to maritime security. This incident occurs amidst escalating Houthi strikes in the Red Sea and against Saudi Arabia, raising fears of a renewed civil war in Yemen and a wider regional conflict. Separately, Turkey condemned Colombia's decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, calling it a violation of international law and an attempt to legitimize Israel's occupation. The United Nations considers the Golan Heights part of Syria.

Yemeni government forces accused Houthi rebels of launching ballistic missile attacks on the Red Sea port city of al-Makha and residential areas in Marib. These attacks occurred just one day after Houthi missiles struck al-Makha and its port, killing seven people and wounding 30, causing significant damage. Additionally, a Houthi drone strike in Shabwa province killed two Yemeni government soldiers and wounded seven others. The Yemeni armed forces stated they retaliated by targeting Houthi sites in al-Jawf, Saada, and Marib provinces. These escalating tit-for-tat attacks represent a significant increase in violence in Yemen's civil war, which had seen a truce since April 2022 but reignited in July.

Yemen's government has reported that four crew members, three Pakistani and one Indonesian, were killed in an attack on a small cargo ship in the Red Sea. The ship was reportedly struck by three ballistic missiles south of the port of Mocha, causing a fire. Yemen's government suspects the Iran-backed Houthis carried out the attack, which, if confirmed, would be the first deadly strike on a vessel by the group since the US and Israel began a conflict against Iran. The Houthis have not admitted responsibility for the attack. This incident occurs amid heightened regional tensions and follows the collapse of a truce in Yemen's civil war.

Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have renewed attacks on government-controlled areas in Yemen, including the port city of Mokha and the central province of Marib, raising concerns about threats to shipping lanes and a potential resurgence of the civil war. These strikes follow recent escalations by the Houthis against Yemeni government forces and Saudi oil facilities. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister reiterated Tehran's stance that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. meets its conditions, which include ending port blockades. This comes as U.S. President Donald Trump is demanding compensation from Iran for past actions. Germany's Foreign Minister, however, emphasized the need for the Strait of Hormuz to be opened unconditionally.

A recent escalation between the Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia threatens to undermine a 2022 truce in Yemen. The conflict reignited on July 13 when Saudi airstrikes hit Sanaa airport, preventing an Iranian flight carrying a Houthi delegation from landing. The Houthis had insisted on using the Iranian-operated Mahan Air, defying a decade-long requirement for prior coalition permission. This move was seen as an attempt by the Houthis to assert control over Yemeni airspace and gain concessions, potentially emboldened by regional tensions. In response to the airport strike, the Houthis attacked Saudi Arabia's Abha airport and declared a blockade on Red Sea shipping, while the Saudi-led coalition retaliated with strikes in Yemen. The UN envoy warned of renewed large-scale conflict and regional confrontation.