World news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Fighting intensifies in Yemen as Houthis deny targeting Mecca
The Houthis denied Saudi Arabia’s claim that they launched a drone towards Mecca, saying their attacks targeted sites in Yanbu and Riyadh. The disputed strikes come as fighting between the Houthis and forces backing Yemen’s internationally recognised government intensifies, with attacks reported in several parts of the country and in Aden.
Yemen’s army spokesperson reported 773 artillery attacks, 44 drone strikes and 37 rocket attacks by government-aligned forces, while the Saudi-led coalition said it carried out 23 air strikes. The World Health Organization said casualties had reached 11,755 by 8 November, including 2,098 people killed, and that more than 320,000 people had been displaced since 1 August. It also warned that attacks on health facilities and fuel shortages are disrupting medical care.
In short
- Houthis deny targeting Mecca and describe different targets in Saudi Arabia.
- Fighting has intensified between the Houthis and government-aligned forces.
- WHO reports 11,755 casualties and more than 320,000 people displaced.
Explained simply
Yemen’s conflict is between the Houthi movement, which controls the capital Sanaa and other areas, and forces supporting the internationally recognised government. The war has drawn in a Saudi-led coalition, which backs the government and has carried out air strikes.
Saudi Arabia and the Houthis have made conflicting claims about the reported drone attacks, including whether Mecca was targeted. The fighting matters because it is causing deaths and displacing people, while damage to health facilities and fuel shortages are making medical care harder to provide.