Kathmandu— At least 30 Yemeni government forces have been reported dead following missile and drone strikes by the Houthi rebels on military camps in central Yemen. The attacks targeted camps run by the Emergency Forces in Marib province's al-Ruwaik area and Hadramawt's al-Abr region, escalating tensions in a conflict that has devastated the country since 2014.

Government Response

Health Minister Qasim Bahibah condemned the attacks as “treacherous,” stating they were aimed at destabilizing security and stability. The US mission to Yemen also described the Houthis' actions as “cowardly” and an example of their terrorism against the Yemeni people.

Houthi Justification

A Houthi spokesman justified the attacks, claiming they targeted large Saudi military build-ups preparing for an offensive. The Houthis have been backed by Iran and control much of north-western Yemen. They have also announced a “maritime embargo” against Saudi Arabia in retaliation for what they perceive as a blockade on their ports and airports.

Humanitarian Crisis

The ongoing conflict, which began when the Houthis ousted the government from Sanaa in 2014, has left more than 150,000 people dead and created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Over 22 million Yemenis are in need of aid according to the UN.

(With inputs from BBC News)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.