The Houthi military spokesman announced Thursday evening that the group conducted a broad operation targeting bases of pro-Saudi forces in Yemen using dozens of ballistic missiles and drones. The spokesman warned Saudi Arabia against what he termed a 'foolish act,' stating the kingdom would bear responsibility.
The Houthi military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, confirmed at 17:57 Jerusalem time that the group conducted a large-scale operation against pro-Saudi forces in Yemen, using dozens of ballistic missiles and drones. The spokesman's statement also included a warning to Saudi Arabia against what he termed a 'foolish act,' threatening that the kingdom would bear responsibility.
The confirmation caps a day of rapidly escalating reports. At 14:44 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported a Houthi missile and drone strike on the al-Ruwaiq base of the Saudi-backed Hadramawt Emergency Forces in eastern Yemen, killing 40 and wounding over 100. Within minutes, additional reports emerged: the Yemeni government confirmed at least 30 troops killed, a pro-Saudi militia reported heavy casualties from strikes on weapons warehouses in Marib, and the Houthis themselves claimed hundreds killed across three areas. Independent security analyst Yair Goldblatt released additional footage of the strikes at 15:31 Jerusalem. The death toll from the initial strike was later reported to possibly reach 50.
The operation, claimed as a preemptive strike by the Houthis, marks a significant escalation by the Iran-backed group against Saudi-linked targets. As The Zioneer has reported, the Houthis have intensified their military campaign in recent weeks, including attacks from Iraqi territory coordinated with local groups under IRGC oversight, and have ended a long-standing ceasefire with Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom has been reportedly preparing a sea and ground offensive to break the Houthi-imposed blockade.
The Houthi claims and casualty figures remain unverified by independent sources. The specific number of casualties from the day's multiple strikes, and the exact scope of the operation, have not been confirmed by neutral parties.
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