Two guards killed, six wounded in Houthi missile attack on Presidential Palace in Aden

Two guards were killed and six others wounded on Thursday in a missile attack attributed to the Houthi movement targeting the Presidential Palace in Aden, the seat of Yemen’s internationally recognized, Saudi-backed government, according to Yemeni officials.

Yemeni Minister of Youth and Sports Nayef al-Bakri confirmed the casualties in statements reported by Al Arabiya, saying the prime minister and other ministers present at the complex were unharmed.

Reports indicated that government officials intended to remain in Aden despite the attack.

Witnesses told Reuters they heard powerful explosions near the presidential compound, while the Associated Press reported at least six explosions across Aden, Yemen’s interim capital.

Local security sources said air defence systems attempted to intercept the incoming missiles. However, the strikes or debris from the interceptions reportedly damaged guard facilities surrounding the palace.

The attack comes amid escalating tensions between the Iran-backed Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia.

Hours before the strike in Aden, the Saudi-led coalition announced that Houthi forces had attempted to target several locations in the Kingdom, including airports, ports and oil facilities.