Saudi Arabia strikes Sanaa as fierce clashes erupt between Yemeni forces and Houthi fighters

* Explosions follow evacuation warning as Houthis warn of further attacks

Explosions have been reported in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, following an evacuation warning by the Saudi-led coalition, as fighting intensifies between forces loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognised government and Houthi fighters.

Al Jazeera reported on Tuesday, October 13, that its team on the ground heard explosions shortly after the coalition urged civilians to evacuate the al-Sabaha area of Sanaa ahead of a planned military operation.

Media outlets affiliated with the Houthis said air strikes hit an oil facility in the area. The coalition’s evacuation warning preceded the reported explosions, although the precise extent of the damage and casualties from the latest strikes was not immediately established.

The escalation comes amid a widening military campaign by Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces seeking to retake territory held by the Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, an armed group that controls Sanaa and parts of northwestern Yemen.

According to Al Jazeera, Saudi Arabia has launched strikes against Houthi positions while supporting a Yemeni government counteroffensive known as Dawn of Yemen. The campaign followed Houthi advances along parts of Yemen’s western coast and the strategically important Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

Houthis warn of further attacks

Following the coalition’s warning, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree threatened a “harsh and painful” response in Riyadh if attacks on Sanaa proceeded.

Al Jazeera reported that the Houthis subsequently warned civilians and employees to evacuate several Saudi sites, including the headquarters of state-owned oil company Aramco in Dammam, King Khalid International Airport and an Aramco-affiliated refinery in Riyadh.

The threats followed deadly attacks attributed to the Houthis on Saudi Arabia, including strikes on King Khalid International Airport that Saudi authorities said killed people and injured hundreds.

The attacks disrupted airport operations and prompted several international airlines to suspend or cancel flights to Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries.

Saudi Arabia has described the attacks on its territory as a serious security threat and vowed a response. The Houthis, meanwhile, have portrayed their actions as retaliation for military operations against them.

Fighting spreads across Yemen

The latest developments in Sanaa coincide with intensified fighting elsewhere in Yemen.

Al Jazeera reported that Yemeni government forces carried out nine air strikes against Houthi positions in Taiz governorate on Tuesday, including five in Dhubab district and four in al-Masrakh district. Government forces also reported ongoing clashes with Houthi fighters in al-Shaqab, south of Taiz.

The conflict began in 2014 when the Houthis seized Sanaa and forced the internationally recognised government to flee. Saudi Arabia led a military coalition in support of the government in 2015, triggering years of devastating fighting.

A United Nations-backed truce in 2022 significantly reduced hostilities, but renewed offensives and regional tensions have since threatened the relative calm.

Al Jazeera reported that the United Nations had recorded at least 46 civilian deaths and more than 130 injuries in Yemen since August, while the International Organization for Migration estimated that more than 200,000 people had been displaced since September as fighting intensified.

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