Rocket attacks launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels targeted several locations in the city of Aden on Saturday afternoon, including the vicinity of Aden International Airport and two coastguard facilities, according to official statements and local sources.
Government media outlets reported that the group had launched three ballistic missiles, two of which struck the airport, while the third landed in al-Tawahi near the port. However, the General Directorate of Moral Guidance and Public Relations at the Interior Ministry said that the first two missiles targeted the coastguard headquarters at the ministry’s premises, while the third struck the coastguard building in al-Tawahi.
Sources told The New Arab that the attacks had once again affected the vicinity of the airport, coinciding with explosions heard in al-Tawahi, the main stronghold of the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC).
No confirmed information was available regarding the extent of the damage or any casualties. Yemen’s government-affiliated Interior Ministry said that the relevant authorities were gathering information and evidence to assess the damage.
The ministry added that the latest attacks were part of a series of strikes targeting civilian and critical infrastructure in Aden, including Aden International Airport, which, according to its statement, has been attacked multiple times with ballistic missiles and drones.
The city has experienced further attacks during October, targeting the airport and its surrounding area, as well as other locations, including the vicinity of the presidential Maashiq Palace on 7 and 16 October. The area around Maashiq was also attacked on 15 October.
These attacks have raised concerns about the safety of civilian infrastructure and air traffic, as Aden Airport serves as a major air gateway for areas under the control of Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
For their part, the Houthis claimed to have targeted what they described as “Saudi military build-ups at al-Nasr Camp and the naval military base in Aden".
The group’s military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, said that “Saudi officers are overseeing the preparation of these sites”, accusing Riyadh of preparing military operations against the Houthis. He provided no independent evidence to support the allegations.
Saree urged Yemenis not to join these military build-ups.