Houthis Attack Presidential Palace Complex in Yemen’s Aden; Government Reports Five Deaths

Aden, October 15, 2026: Yemen’s Houthi movement launched a missile attack on the presidential palace complex in the southern city of Aden on Thursday, killing five people and injuring 16, according to Yemen’s health minister. The Saudi-led coalition also reported a series of attacks targeting infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.

The Al-Maashiq palace complex serves as the seat of Yemen’s internationally recognised government. Yemeni Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani said the country’s prime minister and cabinet members were safe following the attack. Government officials said missiles and drones were involved.

Health Minister Qasim Buhaibeh said the casualties included security guards and civilian employees. The reported death toll has not been independently verified.

Houthis Claim to Have Targeted Military Headquarters

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the group had targeted what it described as a Saudi military operations headquarters in Aden. The Houthi-run news agency SABA also claimed that the site contained weapons storage facilities. These claims could not be independently verified by Reuters.

The attack comes amid renewed fighting between Houthi forces and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces. Aid agencies have warned that the deteriorating security situation is worsening humanitarian conditions in parts of Yemen.

Government-aligned forces have also launched operations to regain territory near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategic shipping route connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.

Saudi-led Coalition Reports Attacks on Infrastructure

The Saudi-led coalition said the Houthis had attempted numerous attacks on Saudi infrastructure in recent weeks, including airports, ports and oil facilities. Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki reported 20 attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh during October.

According to the coalition, attacks on Saudi airports have killed 17 people and injured 333. It also reported casualties from attacks targeting Abha airport. These figures reflect the coalition’s account and have not been independently verified in full.

The International Civil Aviation Organization’s governing council condemned attacks on civilian airports, aircraft and aviation infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Maliki accused the Houthis of acquiring advanced military technology, including ballistic missiles, drones and explosive-laden fast boats, with assistance from regional actors. Iran has provided support to the Houthis, although Tehran denies supplying weapons in violation of United Nations arms restrictions.

The coalition spokesperson also said its forces had destroyed 127 weapons storage facilities and launch platforms in Yemen. These figures were reported by the coalition and could not be independently confirmed.

Saudi Authorities Issue Security Alerts

Saudi Arabia’s civil defence authority issued early-warning alerts for potential threats in the Najran and Jazan regions on Thursday before later announcing that the immediate danger had passed.

The Saudi-led coalition also said it had intercepted and destroyed drones in Khamis Mushait and other areas of the country’s southern region.

The latest developments underline the growing risks to civilians, aviation and regional maritime transport as fighting intensifies. The security situation and the humanitarian impact of the conflict remain subject to further developments.