Deadly Houthi Missile Strike on Yemeni Port Threatens Fragile Ceasefire

A barrage of six ballistic missiles launched by

A barrage of six ballistic missiles launched by Houthi forces slammed into the government-controlled port of al-Makha in Yemen on Tuesday, killing at least four people and wounding several others. The attack marks one of the most serious breaches of a UN-brokered truce that has largely held since April, raising fears of a return to full-scale conflict.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos as the missiles struck near fuel storage tanks and docking areas, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky. Rescue teams worked through the debris to reach workers and sailors who had been caught in the blast zone. The port, a vital lifeline for commercial goods and humanitarian aid, has been a flashpoint in the ongoing war between the Saudi-backed government and the Iran-aligned Houthi movement.

Local officials condemned the strike as a deliberate act of aggression and called on the international community to hold the Houthis accountable. The attack came just days after UN mediators reported progress in talks aimed at extending the ceasefire and expanding it to include a prisoner exchange and the reopening of roads. Analysts say the Houthi assault appears designed to pressure the government ahead of renewed negotiations, but it also risks derailing the fragile peace process.

The Saudi-led coalition, which supports the government, …

The Saudi-led coalition, which supports the government, has not yet announced a formal military response, but its warplanes were seen conducting reconnaissance flights over Houthi-controlled areas following the strike. Meanwhile, the UN special envoy for Yemen issued a statement urging all parties to exercise restraint and preserve the humanitarian gains achieved during the months of relative calm.

Residents of al-Makha, a town of about 20,000 people, are now bracing for further escalation. Many have begun stockpiling supplies and making plans to flee if the situation deteriorates. Local hospitals, already strained by years of war and a collapsing economy, reported receiving a surge of casualties, with some in critical condition.

The attack underscores the volatility of Yemen's conflict, which has killed tens of thousands and pushed millions to the brink of famine. While the truce has brought a significant reduction in violence, incidents like this highlight how quickly the situation can spiral out of control. International observers warn that without a sustained diplomatic push, the ceasefire could collapse entirely, plunging the country back into a catastrophic war.