In a tragic incident in Yemen, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels detonated a house in a town southeast of the capital, Sanaa, resulting in the deaths of at least nine individuals from the same family. The victims, including parents and their seven children, were killed in the explosion that also caused severe damage to neighboring buildings.
According to reports from residents and officials, the Houthis besieged the house in the Bayda province early Tuesday before setting up explosives and triggering the blast. Rescue efforts were underway to retrieve individuals trapped under the rubble.
The incident followed an ambush the day before, where two Houthi fighters were killed, allegedly by the owner of the targeted house. The Houthi-run Interior Ministry condemned the house detonation as an 'irresponsible reaction' by security forces and announced the formation of an investigation committee to hold those responsible accountable.
Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since 2014 when the Houthis seized control of Sanaa, leading to the displacement of the internationally recognized government. The conflict escalated with the intervention of a Saudi-led coalition aiming to restore the government, resulting in a prolonged stalemate and a dire humanitarian crisis.
The war has claimed over 150,000 lives, including combatants and civilians, and exacerbated the suffering of millions through widespread displacement, food insecurity, and lack of access to essential services. The Houthis' repressive rule in areas under their control has further intensified the humanitarian plight, with reports of mass arrests and land seizures.
Amidst the ongoing conflict, the Houthis have recently made headlines for their attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, disrupting vital trade routes and causing significant economic repercussions. The situation in Yemen remains volatile, with the need for a peaceful resolution more urgent than ever to alleviate the suffering of the population caught in the crossfire.
