Yemen: Death toll rises to at least 60 in Marib January 18 /update 1

Event

The death toll from a suspected Houthi missile strike targeting a military base in Marib (Marib province) has risen to at least 60 as of Saturday, January 18. According to Saudi state media reports, the strikes hit a training camp and involved both ballistic missiles and drones. The operation in Marib comes after Saudi-backed forces attacked Houthi positions east of the capital Sana’a, resulting in at least 22 casualties from both sides. The death toll from the attack in Marib may continue to rise over the coming hours as more information is released.

Also on Saturday, Houthi and government forces exchanged artillery and mortar fire around the port city of Al-Hudaydah. According to media reports, at least seven people, including two civilians, were killed in the fighting.

Similar Houthi missile attacks targeting Yemeni government and allied forces are to be expected in Yemen over the near term.

Context

Yemen is engaged in a complex and deadly conflict, ongoing since Houthi rebels entered into 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.