Aden, Yemen – The city and port of Mocha, located in southwestern Taiz Governorate, was subjected to a large-scale military attack by the Houthi militia using ballistic missiles, suicide drones, and explosive-laden boats. This dangerous escalation resulted in civilian and military casualties. Meanwhile, air defenses and joint military formations along the country’s western coast were placed on full alert.
Details of the attack and loss of life
The Yemeni Armed Forces announced in an official statement that the Houthi attack targeted civilian areas, vital infrastructure, and employee residences. Additionally, the attack struck power plants and some military sites in the area. The successive waves of shelling resulted in the deaths of seven people. These included four members of the armed forces and three civilians. Thirty others sustained injuries of varying severity. The vast majority of those injured were civilians, including two children, according to estimates from the Yemeni Ministry of Health.
The role of air defenses and countering threats
The Armed Forces explained that the Air Defense Forces efficiently dealt with the attack. It was able to intercept and shoot down 11 drones that participated in the attack. For his part, Colonel Wadah Al-Dabish, spokesman for the joint forces on the West Coast, confirmed that the joint air defenses succeeded in shooting down suicide drones. Meanwhile, two ballistic missiles launched by the militia fell into the waters of the Red Sea without causing additional human damage. The military leadership also stressed that the attack on its units and Mokha facilities represents a blatant attack on the entire armed forces. Furthermore, it confirmed that it has the will and full field capability to silence the sources of the threat. It also pledged to prevent it from continuing its hostile actions targeting security and stability.
Escalation threatens civilian lives and prompts emergency directives
Colonel Wadhah al-Dubaysh described the Houthis’ continued indiscriminate attacks on Mocha and al-Khawkhah districts as a “dangerous escalation” that directly endangers civilian lives and infrastructure. He emphasized that the military’s top priority at this time remains protecting civilians and sparing them any potential harm. Amid the ongoing tension, authorities issued an urgent appeal to the city’s residents, urging them not to panic and to remain indoors. They also advised residents to stay away from windows, glass facades, and balconies. Moreover, they asked people to avoid open areas for their personal safety.
Field situation and military readiness
On the leadership level, Lieutenant General Tariq Saleh, a member of the Presidential Leadership Council and head of the political bureau of the National Resistance Forces, conducted a field visit to the central operations room on Sunday evening. He reviewed the progress of military operations and assessed the field and security situation. During the visit, Lieutenant General Saleh affirmed that the field and security situation in the city and port of Mocha, as well as in various locations and fronts along the western coast, is under complete control. He also commended the high level of vigilance displayed by the armed forces and their readiness to respond to any future violations or threats.
