More than 50 security personnel have been killed and 200 injured in a Houthi missile strike on a camp in Yemen's central province of Shabwa, local authorities report. The attack targeted the al-Alam camp near Ataq city, which was being used as a training center for recruits to the security forces and police.

Details of the Attack

A spokesman for the Saudi-backed Yemeni armed forces stated that the Iran-backed Houthis launched three ballistic missiles at the camp. The head of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad al-Alimi, condemned the strike as a "criminal attack" and promised a "firm response". The Houthis' military spokesman claimed they were targeting "Saudi enemy concentrations".

Context of the Conflict

Yemen's devastating civil war has intensified in recent months. At the beginning of October, pro-government forces initiated a major offensive to reclaim territory in western Yemen controlled by the Houthis. With support from a Saudi-led coalition, they regained control of territory along the Red Sea coast, which is strategically important due to its proximity to the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Fierce fighting continues in various regions, including around the besieged government-controlled city of Taiz, and in the northern provinces of Marib and al-Jawf. The Houthis have retaliated against Saudi airstrikes by launching missiles and drones at airports, energy facilities, and military bases in Saudi Arabia.