Houthis Claim Saudi Attacks Killed Women and Children
The Yemeni Civil Defence from the Ansarallah Houthi group stated on Wednesday that the death toll from Saudi attacks on a prison in Al-Jawf province has risen to 23 people. The attack targeted the Al-Hazm District Correctional Facility, which housed both inmates and visiting civilians.
Yemen’s Armed Forces, affiliated with the Ansarallah movement, accused Saudi Arabia of launching two airstrikes against the facility. Ansarallah military spokesperson, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, stated that Saudi Arabia’s attempts to distance itself from the attacks would not absolve Riyadh of responsibility.
“The Saudi enemy’s efforts to deny their crimes and aggression will not free them from the consequences of this aggression, no matter how hard they try to cover it up,” said Saree.
According to Saree, an F-15SA fighter jet departed from King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait at approximately 16:30 before launching two strikes against the prison. He noted that the aircraft returned to King Khalid Air Base around 16:45. Saree stated that the strikes killed numerous prisoners and visitors, including women and children.
The attack on the prison occurred amidst a broader escalation of Saudi military operations across Yemen. The head of the Al Mayadeen bureau in Yemen reported that 4<0xA0>43 airstrikes targeted Marib, Al-Jawf, Taiz, and Hodeidah on Wednesday.
According to reports, these strikes aimed to support and strengthen Saudi-backed military forces operating on the ground. Saree claimed that Saudi Arabia has launched 121 attacks against Marib, Al-Bayda, Hodeidah, Taiz, and Al-Jawf over the past three days.
This recent escalation follows an announcement by the Yemeni Armed Forces in July that the 2022 ceasefire with Saudi Arabia had failed following attacks on Sanaa International Airport. Since then, fighting between Yemeni forces and Saudi-backed troops has intensified in several provinces.
On Tuesday, Houthi forces repelled an attempt by Saudi troops to advance in Souq Al-Yatama, Al-Jawf, according to field sources cited by Yemen TV. The sources stated that Yemeni forces launched flank attacks against the troops entering the area, destroying dozens of military and armoured vehicles before reclaiming their positions.
Retaliation within Saudi Arabian territory
These new Saudi attacks have been accompanied by retaliatory operations by Yemen targeting military and economic targets within Saudi Arabian territory. The Houthi group announced attacks using ballistic missiles and drones against Saudi Aramco facilities and military targets in Abha, Najran, Jazan, and Khamis Mushait.
Following these operations, the Saudi Ministry of Energy acknowledged that energy facilities and infrastructure in the southern region of the Kingdom were targeted, causing fires and the temporary suspension of some operations. Satellite fire-detection data also showed heat signatures at several strategic locations, including Aramco refineries and bulk plants in Jazan, Aramco storage facilities in Abha, the Asir Central Power Plant, and King Khalid Air Base.
The Houthi group has also announced a sailing ban for ships heading to or departing from Saudi Arabia as the conflict expands beyond Yemeni borders. Saree warned that Riyadh would continue to be held accountable for its attacks, regardless of what he described as attempts to evade responsibility.
“Saudi efforts to wash their hands of the crimes and aggression against our country will not free them from the consequences of this aggression and criminal action, no matter how hard they try to cover it up,” he said.