Death toll from Houthi missile strike on Yemen camp rises to 73

The death toll from a Houthi missile strike on a Yemeni government training camp in Shabwa province rose to 73 on Tuesday, according to provincial authorities. Fourteen people remained missing as search efforts continued.

More than 200 others were injured in Monday’s attack on the Al-Alam camp, where new members of the government’s internal security forces were undergoing training. Local authorities had initially reported 53 deaths.

Yemeni military spokesman Majed al-Nuzaili said the Houthis fired three ballistic missiles at a training centre for security and police personnel. Local officials said the missiles struck during a training exercise, while other reports said recruits were assembled in formation when they were hit. Hospitals in Shabwa were overwhelmed, and some critically wounded patients were transferred to other provinces, according to the province’s deputy governor.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed responsibility, saying the attack targeted what he described as Saudi forces gathered at the camp. Yemen’s internationally recognised government is supported by a Saudi-led coalition.

Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, ordered authorities to take measures for a firm response. The attack came amid renewed fighting between the Houthis and government-aligned forces after the collapse of a truce that had largely held since 2022.