Houthis Target Aden Airport with Missiles Amid Intensified Conflict

In a marked escalation of hostilities, Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement launched two missiles aimed at Aden International Airport early Wednesday. This attack coincides with an intensifying conflict between Houthi forces and the Yemeni government, which is supported by Saudi Arabia. Officials from the Aden Security Department reported that while the missiles targeted the airport located in the southern port city, there were no immediate reports of casualties.

The missile strike occurred as government forces ramped up their counteroffensive against the Houthis, following weeks of territorial gains by the group along Yemen's Red Sea coast. Rashad al-Alimi, the chairman of Yemen's presidential leadership council, announced the initiation of Operation 'Dawn of Yemen' earlier this week, which aims to reclaim the capital, Sanaa, and restore governmental authority from Houthi control.

On Tuesday, government forces reported capturing a strategic mountain peak in western Taiz after engaging in clashes with Houthi fighters. The fighting is also concentrated around the crucial Bab al-Mandab Strait, where Saudi-backed forces claim to have regained control of areas near the waterway, aided by coalition air support. Aden International Airport serves as the primary international access point for regions of Yemen that remain outside Houthi influence.

In a related development, the Saudi-led coalition announced that it had intercepted and destroyed a Houthi ballistic missile aimed at Khamis Mushait, a city in southern Saudi Arabia. The coalition indicated that these missile threats originated from regions under Houthi control, including Sanaa and the governorates of Saada and Amran. Following this, the Houthis asserted that they had targeted Abha airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with ballistic missiles and drones, although Saudi authorities have not confirmed these claims.

As the conflict escalates, Yemen's government forces are striving to capitalize on recent military successes to push back against the Houthis, who have held significant territories for several years. The ongoing exchanges of fire highlight the volatile situation in Yemen, with both sides preparing for further confrontations in the days ahead.