A Houthi missile strike on a government security forces training camp in Yemen's Shabwa province killed at least 53 people and wounded about 200 on Monday, October 19, as fighting in the country grows stronger.
Local authorities stated that the attack struck al-Alam camp, where new recruits were undergoing training. According to local sources cited by Reuters, three ballistic missiles hit during a training exercise. The initial reported casualty count was lower, but Shabwa authorities later placed the number of dead at 53 and the wounded at 200.
The provincial government warned that the casualty count could increase. The Houthis acknowledged targeting the camp. A Houthi spokesperson claimed the camp was run by Saudi forces.
The strike was among the deadliest recent events in the renewed conflict between the Houthis and forces aligned with Yemen's internationally recognized government. The two sides had seen major fighting slow down under a 2022 truce. However, clashes have escalated again this year, including around territory near the Bab el-Mandeb shipping route in the Red Sea.