Kathmandu— The Houthi movement launched a series of attacks overnight targeting Yemen’s Marib city and the Red Sea port of al-Makha, resulting in several deaths and injuries. The assaults mark a significant escalation in a conflict that had seen a relative lull since April 2022, after nearly twelve years of fighting between government forces and the Houthis, who control the capital Sanaa and other areas. State media reports indicate strikes on residential neighborhoods and critical infrastructure, while port operations in al-Makha have been suspended.

Recent Attacks and Casualties

An attack on Sunday struck the outskirts of al-Makha, a key port city on Yemen’s Red Sea coast, with another hitting a main road within the city. According to state media and the director of the al-Makha airport, four people were killed and eight injured in these overnight attacks.

Marib also came under fire Saturday evening, with the government media office reporting six ballistic missiles and four drones targeting residential neighborhoods. These strikes wounded four individuals and caused damage to homes and civilian infrastructure.

Military Response

The Yemeni military responded by launching 181 operations against Houthi positions across several governorates on Saturday and Sunday, claiming to have killed or wounded dozens of Houthi members. The Houthis acknowledged the deaths of four of their fighters but provided no further details.

Port operations in al-Makha were paused prior to the latest attacks due to ongoing strikes, according to Abdulmalik al-Sharabi, the director general of the government-controlled facility.

Background: Years of Conflict

Yemen has experienced a prolonged period of conflict since 2014 when the Houthis seized control of Sanaa and other key cities. While there was a relative decrease in fighting beginning in April 2022, earlier this month saw renewed Houthi strikes on military camps in Marib and Hadramout, resulting in at least thirty government soldier deaths – the deadliest single incident in years. Fighting has since expanded to include provinces such as al-Jawf, al-Dhalea and Taiz.

The recent escalation raises concerns about a potential resurgence of intense fighting in Yemen after a period of relative calm. Further clashes are expected as both sides continue military operations.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.