Al-Hadara market hit by airstrikes in Taiz, Yemen

TAIZ, Yemen. Airstrikes struck the al-Hadara market in the southwestern town of al-Waziyah at approximately 7 a.m. Friday, according to Houthi officials. The Iran-backed rebels reported that the attacks killed at least 20 people and wounded 15 others. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that three separate strikes hit the market area. He attributed the attacks to Saudi Arabia, claiming warplanes departed from the Khamis Mushait air base and exited Taiz province by 8 a.m. Saree did not present visual or technical evidence to support the claim that Saudi aircraft were responsible.

The Yemeni government authorities based in Taiz rejected the Houthi account. Their provincial media office stated that no airstrikes occurred in the area. Instead, they blamed the Houthis for "indiscriminate missile attacks," including ballistic missiles, that struck the busy market. The government office noted that casualties were confirmed but did not specify a death count in its initial statement. The Associated Press could not independently verify the source of the munitions used in the attack.

Footage broadcast on Houthi-run television showed smoke rising from the site. The video displayed a damaged building that had stored canned food, destroyed vehicles, and boxes of fruit scattered among rubble. Houthi health spokesperson Anees Alsabahi said the death toll was expected to rise. He told Al Masirah TV that the market was likely crowded because Friday is a common day off for work in the region.

The incident marks one of the deadliest attacks since fighting resumed between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces. The two sides have clashed repeatedly in recent months. Last month, Houthi ballistic missiles hit a military camp in the southern province of Shabwa, killing at least 75 soldiers and wounding around 200 recruits. The rebels acknowledged targeting that camp.

Tensions have escalated since September, when the Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of striking a prison in Hazm, the capital of Jawf province. That attack killed at least 23 people when the facility collapsed. In the same month, Houthi forces advanced on Taiz after capturing the port city of Mokha, which lies about 130 kilometers away. Control of Mokha is vital for shipping routes through the Red Sea.

Taiz serves as a strategic gateway to southern Yemen. The Houthis currently control parts of the province, including al-Waziyah, but the city center remains under the control of the internationally recognized government. The rebels have tightened their siege around Taiz, restricting the movement of residents and supplies. Civilian access to drinking water and food has become difficult as the encirclement continues.

Government forces are engaged in defensive operations in the hills surrounding Taiz. Analysts note that securing Taiz is a priority for the Houthis if they plan to move further south toward Aden and Lahj. The battle for the city involves heavy resistance from government troops, particularly on the eastern side of the urban area.