Yemen: Saudi-led coalition carry out airstrikes around Sanaa November 27

Event

The Saudi-led coalition carried out a series of airstrikes on targets in and around Sanaa on Friday, November 27. Reports suggest that the strikes targeted barracks used by Houthi militias in the Attan, Ayban, Hafa, Jarban, and Sama areas; however, it is unclear if any injuries or fatalities have resulted from the attacks. The strikes come following a recent Houthi attack against oil facilities in the Saudi city of Jeddah early on Monday, November 23. 

Further coalition airstrikes and other military operations remain likely in Houthi-controlled areas of the country in the short 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. Houthi rebels have also launched hundreds of missile, rocket, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks targeting coalition forces and civilian population centers in the west and center of the country throughout the conflict. Although many of these have been intercepted by coalition air defenses, hundreds of civilians have been killed in Houthi missile strikes. 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.