Houthi missile and drone attack hits presidential palace in Aden

On October 15, 2026, Houthi rebels launched a coordinated attack using missiles and drones against the Al-Maashiq presidential palace in Aden, the seat of Yemen’s internationally recognized government. The assault resulted in at least five deaths and sixteen injuries, according to the Yemeni Ministry of Health. Among the deceased were two members of the personal security detail of Prime Minister Shaya al-Zindani. Despite the intensity of the explosions, the Prime Minister and other cabinet members present in the compound were reported safe and unharmed.

The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, stating their objective was to target a Saudi Arabian military operations center allegedly operating within the palace grounds. This incident marks an escalation in the ongoing conflict between the Iran-backed Houthi movement and the Saudi-backed government forces. The attack follows a previous offensive on October 7, 2026, which targeted the Aden international airport. Investigations into the breach of security and the extent of the damage to the presidential complex are ongoing, while the government remains under heightened security measures.