An explosion at a gas station in central Yemen’s Zaher district in Bayda province triggered a massive fire, killing at least 15 people and injuring 67 others, with 40 in critical condition. The cause of the explosion was not immediately clear, and rescue teams were searching for missing individuals. The area is controlled by Houthi rebels, who have been at war with Yemen’s government for over a decade. Elsewhere in Bayda, the Houthis attacked and looted a village, resulting in casualties, including women and children, and the destruction of property.
Rights activists reported that the Houthis detained dozens of men, looted homes, and continued shelling the area relentlessly for over five days. The U.S. Embassy in Yemen condemned the attack, stating that such actions by the Houthi terrorists are depriving the Yemeni people of peace and a brighter future. Yemen’s civil war began in 2014 when the rebels took control of the capital, Sanaa, leading to a Saudi-led coalition entering the war in 2015. The conflict has resulted in over 150,000 deaths and a severe humanitarian crisis, with the situation in recent years largely stalemated.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
