বাংলাIran-backed Houthi rebels have accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out an airstrike on a prison in Yemen’s northern Jawf province. At least seven people, including a child, were reportedly killed and another seven injured in Monday’s attack, according to the Houthi-controlled health ministry.
The alleged strike targeted the central correctional facility in Hazm, a strategic city in Jawf province. The Houthi health ministry said one woman was among those injured. Its spokesperson, Anis al-Asbahi, said the dead and injured were evacuated from the site following the attack.
According to the Houthi-run Al-Masirah, the prison warden said part of the building collapsed in the strike. Around 35 prisoners were reportedly trapped beneath the rubble. A woman who had visited the prison to see her husband was also said to be trapped.
Al-Masirah released video footage showing a collapsed section of the building and debris at the scene. Several people, including individuals believed to be members of a rescue team, could be seen searching through the rubble for those who might be trapped.
Houthi military spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out the Yemen prison airstrike. He strongly condemned the alleged attack and warned that the Houthis would respond to Saudi military actions. Saudi authorities did not immediately comment on the allegations.
Saree also claimed that Houthi forces had shot down four Saudi surveillance drones over a 24-hour period. Saudi officials had not immediately responded to those claims either.
The alleged Yemen prison airstrike comes as forces loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognized government are making new advances against the Houthis in several parts of the country. Fighting has reportedly intensified in areas including Jawf, Bayda, Dalea and Marib.
Yemen has been embroiled in a prolonged conflict between the Houthi movement and forces supporting the internationally recognized government. The conflict escalated after the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, in 2014. In 2015, a Saudi-led military coalition intervened in the war in support of the government.
Prisons and detention facilities in Yemen have previously been affected by the conflict. A Saudi-led coalition strike on a detention facility in Saada province in 2022 reportedly caused significant casualties. A detention facility in Dhamar was also hit in 2019, raising international concern over the safety of detainees.
The conflict has caused a major humanitarian crisis in Yemen, severely damaging the country’s economy and public life. Millions of people have faced shortages of food, medical care and safe shelter. Although a 2022 truce reduced major fighting for a period, clashes have increased again in several areas.
The latest Yemen prison airstrike allegation has added to concerns that the conflict could escalate further. With fighting reported across multiple fronts, the situation in Yemen remains highly unstable. For more international news and updates, visit GreenOnline.bd International News and join the GreenOnlineBD YouTube Community.
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