Kathmandu— Yemeni armed forces have accused Iran-backed Houthi militants of launching ballistic missile attacks against Marib city on Saturday, specifically targeting residential neighborhoods and camps housing displaced persons. The strikes, which occurred amidst escalating regional tensions, resulted in at least two deaths and 14 injuries during a barrage of missiles and drones.

Casualties and Targeted Areas

The attacks focused on densely populated areas within Marib, including neighborhoods and camps for displaced residents. According to reports, the barrage of missiles and drones caused significant casualties, leaving two people dead and 14 others injured.

In response to the escalation, Presidential Leadership Council member Maj Gen Sultan Bin Ali Al-Arradah convened a meeting with the Security & Military Committee in Marib to address the latest security and military developments. The meeting included General Staff Chief Lt Gen Saghair Bin Aziz.

Government Counter-Offensive

The Yemeni government has launched broad military operations targeting Houthi positions along multiple frontlines. These strikes were framed as a direct response to recent offensive actions by the militia in the Marib and Hadramout governorates.

Colonel Majed Al-Nuzaili, spokesperson for the Armed Forces, stated that the operation was conducted under the legitimate right of the forces to defend security and protect unarmed civilians from what he described as repeated terrorist attacks by the Houthi militia.

Warnings of Escalation

The Yemeni military has issued a stern warning that any further aggression against a single sector will be treated as an assault on all government-aligned units nationwide. Colonel Al-Nuzaili emphasized that the recent counter-offensive demonstrates the unity of command and control within the armed forces.

Addressing the public, Al-Nuzaili called for unity among Yemeni tribes and citizens to support government forces in restoring state institutions. He accused the Houthi militia of looting national resources, imposing illegal levies, and destabilizing the economy to serve external agendas.

The Yemeni military has warned that future attacks will be met with firm retaliation at an appropriate time and place.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.