World · Middle East · 1 hr ago
Houthi missile attack on Yemen camp kills at least 18, officials say
Houthis fired three ballistic missiles at a government training camp in Shabwa, southern Yemen, during an exercise on Monday.
The camp’s recruits were being prepared for security duties, and officials said more than 30 people were wounded.
Reported death tolls differ: at least 18 in several accounts, and 53 in Shabwa authorities’ preliminary count.
Shabwa officials said the count could rise, while the Houthi-run news agency said dozens were killed or wounded without giving a total.
Yemen’s civil war has intensified after Houthi advances near the Red Sea coast and government forces launched a counteroffensive backed by Saudi Arabia.
The attack adds to fighting that has broken the relative calm of a 2022 ceasefire and threatens security in a province on an important route for government forces.
Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al-Alimi promised a firm response, but the accounts give no further details of what will happen next.
A Houthi missile attack on a government forces training camp in Yemen’s Shabwa province killed and wounded recruits, according to officials.
Reports differed on the death toll: several sources reported 53 killed, while Al Jazeera cited officials saying at least 18 had died.
The attack took place on Monday at al-Alam camp during a training exercise, with sources saying three ballistic missiles were fired.
The Houthis said they targeted what they described as Saudi-backed forces at the camp.
The strike came amid intensified fighting between the Houthis and forces backing Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
- Who
- Houthi forces attacked recruits at a camp for Yemeni government forces.
- What
- Three ballistic missiles struck during a training exercise. Reports of deaths differed, ranging from at least 18 to 53.
- When
- Monday, October 19, 2026.
- Where
- Al-Alam camp in Jardan district, Shabwa province, southern Yemen.
- Why
- The Houthis said they targeted Saudi-backed forces. The attack occurred amid escalating fighting between the Houthis and government forces.
Yemeni government and its supporters
Houthis
Target of the attack
Yemeni government and its supporters
Officials said the missiles struck new recruits training for government security forces.
Houthis
The Houthis said they targeted Saudi-backed forces and described the camp as a Saudi-run mobilisation site.
Characterisation
Yemeni government and its supporters
Shabwa authorities called the attack a military escalation and a blatant assault on the province’s security.
Houthis
The Houthis said Saudi-backed military presences were legitimate targets.
Response
Yemeni government and its supporters
President Rashad al-Alimi promised a firm response; Shabwa’s authorities called for air defence and early-warning systems.
Houthis
The Houthi military spokesperson warned against joining forces backed by Saudi Arabia.
The Houthis began a fresh push against forces backing the internationally recognised government, according to the Guardian.
Three ballistic missiles struck al-Alam camp during a training exercise, according to officials.
Shabwa authorities reported 53 killed and 200 injured, while Al Jazeera cited officials and medical sources reporting at least 18 killed and more than 30 wounded.
- Reported deaths
- 53 according to Shabwa authorities and reports by the Guardian, SCMP and Globe and Mail; at least 18 according to Al Jazeera
- Missiles
- Three ballistic missiles
- Camp
- Al-Alam, in Jardan district
- Province
- Shabwa, southern Yemen
- Injured
- 200 reported by Shabwa authorities and several outlets; more than 30 reported by Al Jazeera
9 sources
Houthi Strikes Kill Dozens in Yemeni Desert Military Camp, Officials Say
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Houthi attack kills 53 at Yemen government training camp
Houthis strike government military camp in southern Yemen, killing at least 53 soldiers
At least 18 killed in Houthi attack on military camp in Yemen’s Shabwa
Houthi rebels strike government military camp in southern Yemen, killing at least 20 fighters
Houthi rebels hit military camp in southern Yemen, killing at least 20
Houthi attack on Yemeni government forces kills 53: officials
At least 18 killed in Houthi attack on Yemeni government training camp in Shabwa, sources say
What people are saying
This bloody, treacherous attack targeted new recruits in the training and preparation phase and is considered an extremely critical military escalation and a blatant aggression on the security and stability of Shabwa province
Targeting recruits reflects the Houthi militia’s approach of resorting to terrorist attacks when under pressure
Our armed forces targeted the Saudi enemy’s mobilisations in the Al-Alam camp, which is run by Saudi officers in the eastern regions.
The Houthis say they will continue to target those bases.