Houthis fires 5 ballistic missiles at Yemen’s presidential palace:4 killed; PM was inside, escapes unhurt

Houthi rebels fired five ballistic missiles at the presidential palace complex in Yemen’s port city of Aden, killing four people, including two security personnel. Prime Minister Shaya Mohsen al-Zindani and several ministers were present at the complex during the attack but escaped unharmed, according to Yemen’s Information Ministry. The Houthis claimed they had targeted the headquarters of Saudi Arabia’s military operations in Aden. Houthi media also reported that a weapons depot had been targeted, although these claims have not been independently verified. Aden serves as the interim capital of Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which has been fighting Iran-backed Houthi rebels for years. Saudi Arabia backs Yemen’s government Saudi Arabia supports Yemen’s internationally recognised government and provides air support to its forces fighting the Houthis. Iran, meanwhile, has repeatedly been accused of backing the rebel group. The latest attack has raised concerns about a further escalation of the conflict. The Houthis said their targets were linked to Saudi military operations in Yemen. Report alleges Houthis developing ballistic missiles with Chinese components A report by British organisation Conflict Armament Research (CAR), released on Wednesday, said the Houthis were attempting to develop new ballistic missiles using components imported from China. According to the report, the rebels are seeking to develop a missile similar to Iran’s Kheibar Shekan, which has an estimated range of around 1,500 kilometres. If successful, the development could give the Houthis the capability to strike targets in Saudi Arabia and Israel with greater precision, the report suggested. Saudi-led military campaign began in 2015 The Houthis seized control of Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, in 2014. Saudi Arabia launched a military campaign against the rebels in 2015, with support from several other countries, aiming to restore the internationally recognised government and end Houthi control. Despite years of airstrikes, the Saudi-led coalition failed to completely dislodge the rebels. The Houthis continue to control large parts of Yemen, and the conflict remains a security concern for Saudi Arabia. ​