At Least 68 Killed in 24 Hours as Houthis, Saudi-Backed Government Forces Clash in Yemen

More than 100,000 displaced; Houthi leader denies drone attack on Mecca
SANAA: At least 68 people have been killed in the past 24 hours in heavy fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces.
According to AFP, a Yemeni government official said 23 government soldiers were killed in Houthi missile and drone attacks in the southwest. Houthi military sources, meanwhile, claimed that 40 of their fighters were killed in Saudi air strikes and ground fighting. The figures are based on claims by the two sides and could not be independently verified.
Civilian casualties have also been reported. Saudi authorities said one person was killed and two injured in Taif by debris from a drone intercepted overhead. Houthi-run media claimed that three children were killed in Taiz in attacks by Saudi-backed forces.
The International Organization for Migration said more than 100,000 people have been displaced by the latest fighting. The Houthis have also continued advancing along Red Sea coastal areas, raising concern over the security of key shipping routes.
Separately, Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi strongly denied allegations of a drone attack on Mecca, saying only Saudi military sites and oil facilities are being targeted.
Accusing Saudi Arabia of attacks and a blockade against Yemen, he said Yemenis “cannot accept oppression, slavery and humiliation.” He said the Houthis are targeting Saudi oil facilities, military bases and sites used in the war against Yemen.
He also accused Riyadh of using propaganda and lies to justify its actions and rally others against the Houthis, saying the campaign was meant to compensate for military setbacks on the ground.