Yemen Airstrikes: Market in Taiz Hits, 20 Dead

Houthi forces reported at least 20 deaths and 15 injuries on Friday after three airstrikes struck the al-Hadara market in al-Waziyah, Taiz province. The attack occurred around 7 a.m. local time and represents one of the deadliest incidents since hostilities resumed between the Iran-backed rebels and Saudi-backed government forces.

The conflict in this region has escalated sharply over the past two months. In September, Houthi fighters captured the port city of Mokha, a strategic location approximately 130 kilometers from Taiz that controls key shipping lanes in the Red Sea. They also accused Saudi Arabia of collapsing a prison in Hazm, the capital of Jawf province, killing at least 23 people. Last month, the group launched ballistic missiles at a military camp in the southern province of Shabwa, killing 75 soldiers and wounding roughly 200 recruits.

Disagreement persists regarding the origin of the Friday strikes. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that warplanes launched from the Khamis Mushait air base in Saudi Arabia and departed the area by 8 a.m. He did not provide visual or audio evidence for this claim. In contrast, the Yemeni government authorities in Taiz blamed the Houthis for the attack, asserting that no airstrikes took place in the sector.

The provincial media office confirmed via a Facebook statement that an attack hit the busy market and resulted in casualties, though it did not specify the number of victims. The office described the incident as part of "indiscriminate Houthi missile attacks" that include ballistic missiles, putting civilian lives at risk. Footage from Houthi-run Al Masirah TV showed smoke rising from the site, along with damaged buildings, destroyed vehicles, and scattered crates of fruit.

The market was likely crowded during the incident, as Friday is a common day off in much of the Arab world. Houthi health official Anees Alsabahi told Al Masirah that the death toll was expected to rise. The Saudi Arabia information ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Taiz serves as a critical gateway to southern Yemen. The city itself is under the control of the internationally recognized government but is besieged by Houthi forces. Analysts note that securing Taiz is essential for the rebels if they intend to advance toward Aden and Lahj. Government troops currently attempt to push back the Houthi advance from the surrounding hills, facing heavy resistance particularly to the east of the city.