Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi missile as Yemen conflict escalates

Nearly 1,700 people have been killed and more than 7,000 injured in Yemen since August as renewed fighting between government forces and Houthi fighters intensifies across several regions according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Nearly 1,700 people have been killed and more than 7,000 injured in Yemen since August as renewed fighting between government forces and Houthi fighters intensifies across several regions according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

In its latest report released on Thursday the UN health agency recorded 1,677 deaths and 7,395 injuries during the period. The situation remained particularly severe between October 20 and 25 when 559 casualties were reported averaging approximately 93 people killed or injured each day.

The WHO said clashes continued in Taiz, Lahj and Marib governorates while lower casualty numbers were reported in Aden, Al-Dhalea and Shabwa.

To support overwhelmed medical facilities, the agency delivered 56 trauma and emergency kits to Taiz on October 24. The shipment included 46 kits for treating traumatic injuries and 10 for emergency medical services, alongside approximately 30 tonnes of medical supplies for three hospitals and a health centre.

However, access to healthcare remains a serious concern. In Marib, only six of 31 mobile medical teams were still operating, leaving many residents struggling to obtain essential treatment amid damaged health facilities and shortages of medical supplies.

The WHO also reported that Al-Thawra General Hospital in Taiz came under fire on October 20, injuring three soldiers and one patient. The agency warned that shortages of medicines, fuel and clean water, combined with inadequate waste disposal and disrupted essential services, were increasing the danger of infectious disease outbreaks particularly in Taiz.

Meanwhile, fighting between Yemeni government forces and the Houthis reportedly resumed on several fronts south of Taiz including Al-Aqroudh, Al-Masrakh and Al-Rahn village in Sabir al-Mawadim district.

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Aden International Airport also resumed operations after missile attacks and threats against the facility. Witnesses reported that a missile struck Al-Nasr Camp near the airport on Wednesday. The site houses Yemeni Coast Guard forces and Interior Ministry headquarters.

The conflict has also heightened security concerns in neighbouring Saudi Arabia. The Saudi-led coalition said its air defences intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile heading towards the kingdom’s Eastern Province early Thursday. No casualties or damage were reported in that interception.

The coalition had also announced the interception of a missile targeting Taif on Wednesday. Earlier, debris from two intercepted missiles damaged a building a construction project and a vehicle in Riyadh, according to Saudi Civil Defence.

Yemen has been embroiled in conflict since the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa and other areas in September 2014. A Saudi-led coalition intervened in March 2015 to support the internationally recognised government.

The latest escalation has further strained Yemen’s already fragile healthcare system with the WHO warning that continued fighting could leave more people without access to essential medical services.