Yemen: Houthis claim Saudi-led coalition kills 30 in Al-Jawf province February 15

Event

Houthi militants claimed the Saudi-led coalition killed 30 people, including civilians, in Al-Jawf province on Saturday, February 15, in retaliatory airstrikes after Houthi militants claimed to have shot down a Saudi-coalition Tornado jet in the region on Friday, February 14. For their part, the Saudi-led coalition stated that a Tornado warplane had crashed in Al-Jawf province, without immediately providing further details.

Exchanges of fire are to be expected in Yemen between Houthi militants and the Saudi-led coalition over the near term.

Context

Yemen is engaged in a complex and deadly conflict, ongoing since Houthi rebels entered a civil war with the Yemeni government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, in 2015. The Saudi-led coalition has carried out thousands of airstrikes in Yemen since its intervention began. Hundreds of Yemeni civilians have been killed in the strikes, which have hit schools, hospitals, and markets, in addition to Houthi militant positions and personnel. In total, more than 10,000 Yemenis have died in the fighting and some 3 million have been displaced.

Advice

Due to poor security conditions, many Western governments strongly advise their citizens against all travel to Yemen. Travel to the country should only be considered with proper security protocols in place. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.