Kathmandu— Yemen's Houthi rebels launched a new wave of missile and drone attacks on the Red Sea port city of al-Makha (Mocha) on Sunday, killing at least eleven individuals and injuring dozens more. The attacks, which targeted both military personnel and civilians, came less than 24 hours after an initial barrage struck the same area, causing significant damage to the commercial port and surrounding facilities. Houthi officials claim the strikes were in response to a Saudi military buildup, while government forces accuse the rebels of indiscriminate shelling.

Escalation of Attacks

The latest attacks on al-Makha began Sunday evening, with Yemeni government forces reporting they intercepted six drones. Two ballistic missiles reportedly fell into the sea without causing damage. Footage broadcast by Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV showed multiple ballistic missiles and drones being launched as part of the operation. Earlier in the day, strikes on al-Makha killed at least eleven people – eight military personnel and three civilians – and wounded thirty-two others.

Damage to Port Infrastructure

The attacks caused extensive damage at al-Makha’s port, hitting buildings, commercial facilities, and vital infrastructure. Reports from The Associated Press indicated damage to both port infrastructure and stored commercial goods, including food supplies. Government forces also stated they intercepted and destroyed an unmanned explosive boat approaching the commercial port.

Houthi Justification for Attacks

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the operation targeted Saudi troop concentrations and weapon depots in the area, according to Reuters. Hizam al-Assad, a member of the Houthi political council, claimed that continuing explosions and smoke from the port were caused by large quantities of weapons and military equipment stored there. The Houthis stated the attacks were launched in response to an alleged continued Saudi military buildup along Yemen’s western coast and in Taiz province.

Further Attacks and Assassination Attempt

The escalation extended beyond al-Makha, also targeting the al-Khokha district south of Hodeidah. Al-Jumhuriya television reported that the government-appointed governor of Hodeidah, al-Hassan Taher, survived an assassination attempt on Sunday after a Houthi ballistic missile struck his residence in the district.

The situation in al-Makha and surrounding areas remains tense as fighting continues between Houthi rebels and Yemeni government forces. Residents have been urged to remain indoors amid ongoing shelling.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.