Houthi missiles hit Saudi-led coalition headquarters at Aden presidential palace

At least six explosions were reported on Thursday near the palace used by Yemen’s internationally recognised government in the port city of Aden. Iranian-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attack, which they said targeted a military operations headquarters of the Saudi-led coalition.

According to an official speaking to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, the strike killed two people and wounded six. Government military sources told Agence-France Presse that the death toll could be as high as four, with ten injured. The Aden-based Saba news agency said the Houthis used missiles and drones in the assault.

A government minister, also speaking anonymously, said Yemeni prime minister Shaya al-Zindani was present at the complex but was not harmed. The minister added that the command centre of the coalition forces was hit by three missiles, while two additional missiles struck the headquarters of coalition troops at the presidential complex, causing Yemeni and Saudi casualties.

The explosions caused panic among residents, who fled the area. Security officials described two of the blasts as occurring on a hill near Al-Maashiq palace and two others near the security gate.

The Houthis said the attack was part of their campaign against the "Saudi enemy" and noted that they have previously avoided targeting airports in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The Saudi-led coalition later reported intercepting a cruise missile over Medina and destroying drones over the eastern province and near Khamis Mushait.

The incident adds to a series of recent Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure, including a strike on Saudi Aramco’s headquarters earlier in the week, and has disrupted regional aviation, with dozens of flights canceled or delayed at Jeddah’s airport.