Yemen: Houthi forces fire missiles at Marib and Al-Hudaydah April 8

Event

Saudi state media reported that Houthi militants launched a missile into Marib (Ma'rib governorate) on the night (local time) of Wednesday, April 8, before a ceasefire announced by the Saudi-led coalition was slated to take effect at 12:00 on Thursday, April 9.

According to local sources, the missile landed near a government building in Marib, severely damaging several homes in the vicinity. Houthi rebels also reportedly bombed a residential area in Al-Hudaydah governate on Wednesday, wounding at least two civilians.

Further attacks by Houthi rebels are possible over the near term.

Context

The two-week unilateral ceasefire was declared by the Saudi-UAE coalition on April 8 to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

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.