Yemen’s cabinet blamed the Houthis for a missile and drone attack on Maashiq Palace in Aden on Thursday, October 15. It said palace guards and workers were killed and injured at the main base of Yemen’s internationally recognised government.

Prime Minister Shaya al-Zandani and cabinet ministers were safe after the attack, Al Arabiya reported, according to Voice of America. The casualty total, extent of damage and exact impact locations remain unclear.

Witnesses describe missile launches and explosions

Witnesses cited by Al Arabiya said four ballistic missiles were launched toward the palace. They reported hearing at least five explosions in Aden, a city in southern Yemen.

A separate local account carried by a Yemeni news outlet described several ballistic missiles targeting the palace and residential neighbourhoods. Residents cited in that report said the launches came from Al-Hamza Camp and Naqil al-Khashaba in Ibb governorate.

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The cabinet’s statement described both missiles and drones, while the witness accounts focused on missiles. Initial reporting carried by Voice of America had not attributed the attack to any group.

Attack comes during government offensive

Yemeni government forces have launched a broad offensive to retake areas held by the Houthis, according to Voice of America. A Saudi-led military coalition is supporting the government forces.

The cabinet linked the palace attack to the ongoing Fajr al-Yemen operation. It described the campaign’s aims as ending the coup and extending state authority across Yemen, including to the capital, Sanaa.

The cabinet also described attacks on Saudi infrastructure and residential areas in Yemen’s Taiz and Lahij governorates. It attributed those attacks to the Houthis and said they endangered civilians.

Voice of America reported that Houthi attacks in recent days had targeted airports in Aden and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital. It also reported attacks on some Saudi oil facilities.

Cabinet pledges to continue work in Aden

The cabinet said the attack would not halt government work in Aden or prevent it from carrying out its responsibilities. It pledged continued support for government forces and efforts to maintain public services.

It urged the United Nations and the wider international community to press for an end to attacks on civilians and civilian facilities. The cabinet also called for those responsible to be held accountable.