Yemen: Civilians killed in Houthi mortar attack in Hudaydah governorate November 29

Event

Local sources report that several Yemeni civilians were killed in a Houthi mortar attack on a village in the western Hudaydah governorate on Sunday, November 29. A mortar round allegedly hit a house in Al-Qaza, Durihimi district, killing eleven people and critically injuring six more. Houthi rebels have reportedly intensified artillery and ground attacks in Hudaydah in recent weeks in an attempt to push forces loyal to the government out of the governorate.

Further attacks in Hudaydah governorate are likely 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. 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.