Deadly Airstrikes Leave at Least 63 Dead as Yemen Civil War Escalates

A deadly escalation in Yemen's civil war has left at least 63 people dead and dozens injured following twin airstrikes over the weekend, according to data released by Houthi authorities. This marks one of the deadliest 24-hour periods since fighting resumed between the Iran-backed Houthi rebels and forces supported by Saudi Arabia, with women and children among the many casualties.

According to a report by Reuters, the death toll from strikes in the village of Al-Shurayja, located in the Bani Hushaysh district east of the capital Sanaa, rose to 33, up from 27 in initial reports, with another 39 people wounded. Houthi Ministry of Health spokesman Anis Al-Asbahi stated that the dead included 13 children, eight women, and 12 men. Houthi officials blamed the Saudi-led coalition air force for targeting residential homes, while the Saudi authorities stated they were investigating the reports.

Just a day earlier, at least 30 people were killed and eight others were injured in a strike on a crowded market in the Al-Waziyah area of Taiz province, in the country's southwest. The Houthis blamed the Saudi coalition, though the warring parties traded accusations regarding responsibility for the attack, and independent verification remains limited.

In response to the strikes, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea vowed retaliation, announcing that the group had carried out six military operations against Saudi targets, including Aramco oil facilities, the Riyadh airport, and military outposts. Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting a cruise missile launched toward the Riyadh area. The renewed fighting has completely shattered the UN-brokered truce established in 2022, compounding a humanitarian crisis that has displaced hundreds of thousands of people.