Houthi Missile and Drone Strike on Aden Presidential Palace Kills 5 and Wounds 16

Iran-backed Houthi forces launched a missile and drone attack on the Al-Maashiq presidential palace compound in Aden on Thursday, killing five people and wounding 16 others, according to Yemen's health minister. The strike targeted the seat of Yemen's internationally recognized government in the southern port city, which serves as the country's interim capital.

Yemen's government confirmed that Prime Minister Shaya Al-Zandani and other cabinet members were unharmed, though two members of the prime minister's security detail were among those killed. Witnesses in Aden reported hearing at least six explosions near the palace complex during the attack.

The Houthis claimed responsibility, framing the strike as part of their declared campaign against Saudi military presence and Saudi-backed Yemeni forces. The attack came shortly after Houthi forces renewed warnings that Saudi airspace and airports were unsafe, and it represents a significant escalation against government-held territory in the south as a broader Saudi-led offensive targets Houthi positions along Yemen's western coast and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.