Houthi Missile Strike on Yemen Camp Kills at Least 50 Security Recruits

At least 50 security recruits have been killed and more than 100 others wounded after Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a ballistic missile attack on a government training camp in the southern province of Shabwa, local authorities said.

The attack occurred on Monday, October 19, at al-Alam camp in the Jardan district, where newly recruited personnel were undergoing training to join the country’s security forces.

According to Yemeni military sources, the Houthis fired three ballistic missiles at the facility during a training exercise. One military official said the missiles struck while recruits were assembling in formation.

The casualty figures rose throughout the day. Shabwa Deputy Governor Fahad al-Khalifi told Agence France-Presse that at least 50 people had been killed and more than 100 injured, with some victims in critical condition. The Associated Press later reported a toll of 53 dead and about 200 wounded, citing provincial authorities.

Hospitals in Shabwa were reportedly overwhelmed by the number of casualties, forcing officials to transfer some of the most seriously wounded to medical facilities in neighbouring Hadramout and Aden.

The Houthis acknowledged targeting the camp. Their military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, claimed the facility was operated by Saudi forces, but did not provide evidence to support the assertion. Saudi authorities had not immediately commented on the claim.

Yemen’s internationally recognised government condemned the strike, describing it as a major escalation in the conflict. The head of the Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad al-Alimi, promised a firm response and accused the Houthis of carrying out attacks against government forces.

Shabwa’s provincial authorities called for the urgent provision of air-defence and early-warning systems to strengthen the region’s ability to protect security facilities and personnel.

The attack comes amid renewed fighting between the Houthis, who control the capital, Sanaa, and large parts of northern Yemen, and forces aligned with the internationally recognised government, which is backed by a Saudi-led coalition.

Hostilities have intensified in recent months after a fragile truce that largely reduced fighting since 2022 broke down. Government forces have launched operations to recover territory, including areas near the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a major shipping route connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.

The escalation has also widened regional tensions, with the Houthis launching attacks against Saudi targets and the Saudi-led coalition conducting strikes in Houthi-controlled areas. Recent violence has added to the humanitarian challenges facing Yemen, where years of conflict have damaged infrastructure and left millions dependent on assistance.

The final death toll from Monday’s attack remains uncertain, as authorities continue assessing casualties and treating the wounded.