New Delhi . The conflict between Houthi rebels and pro-government security forces in Yemen has once again become serious. On Monday, Al-Alam Military Camp in Shabwah Province of southern Yemen was attacked with ballistic missiles. At least 53 soldiers were killed in this attack, while more than 200 soldiers were injured. A large number of the dead are said to be soldiers who were recently recruited. This incident has increased the fear of re-intensification of the long-running civil war in the country.
According to Yemeni army spokesman Colonel Majed al-Najili, Houthi rebels fired three ballistic missiles at a training center for police and security forces. However, he did not give any information about the number of casualties. Two military officials from the internationally recognized government of Yemen confirmed the deaths of 53 soldiers and the wounding of more than 200 soldiers. The Houthi rebel-controlled news agency also reported several people killed and injured in the attack, but did not give the exact number of dead and injured.
Al-Alam military camp is located in the Jordan district, north of Attock, the capital of Shabwa province. This area is considered strategically important, because from here the roads leading to the government-controlled Marib province can be monitored. This area also helps in delivering military material and essential supplies to the government forces. The camp was previously used by an armed group backed by the United Arab Emirates.
According to a military official, the soldiers targeted in the attack were part of a new security unit called Rapid Intervention. This unit was entrusted with the responsibility of security and defense of the concerned area. The security forces have suffered huge losses due to the attack on the training centre.
Many regional and political reasons are being cited behind the increasing conflict in Yemen. Tension has been rising between Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia-backed government forces for the past several months. Along with this, the increasing tension between Iran and America has also affected the regional situation. The ceasefire, which came into effect in 2022, was instrumental in reducing fighting in Yemen's civil war, but recent developments have weakened its position.
Meanwhile, airstrikes also took place in the Houthi-controlled Saada province of northern Yemen on Sunday. According to the Houthi administration's health ministry, the attack killed at least nine people, including five children and two women. The Houthis blamed Saudi Arabian-led forces for the attack. More than 30 people were also claimed to have been killed or injured in a series of attacks over the weekend. However, there was no immediate reaction from Saudi Arabia.
The impact of Yemen's conflict is also visible in Saudi Arabia and the areas around the Red Sea. Houthi rebels have resumed attacks on Saudi Arabia in recent weeks. They allege that Saudi Arabia is supporting the government of Yemen. Rebels have targeted Saudi airports, oil installations and military bases. Thousands of flights have been affected and 19 people have been reported killed due to these attacks. There has also been information about an attack on the headquarters of Saudi oil company Aramco.
The activities of the Houthis along the coast of the Red Sea and around the Bab al-Mandeb Strait are also considered important for regional security. This sea route is important for international trade. The Saudi Arabia-led coalition launched a military operation this month amid increasing tensions over control of this strategic area. The latest missile attack has made the challenges of restoring peace in Yemen more serious.