At least 17 people were killed and dozens more seriously injured following an explosion at a fuel station in Yemen, according to health authorities.
The Houthi-run health ministry reported that the blast in the southwestern al-Bayda province on Saturday resulted in at least 91 casualties, with over 50 individuals in critical condition. Rescue teams are still searching for those reported missing.
In a statement, the ministry expressed condolences to the victims’ families, describing the incident as a “painful accident” caused by the explosion of gas stations in the village of Al-Majrish.
While the exact cause of the explosion remains unknown, footage shared online showed a massive fire, with black smoke rising and charred vehicles nearby.
Al-Bayda province is controlled by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, who have been engaged in a prolonged conflict with Yemen’s internationally recognized government. The civil war, which began in 2014, has claimed over 150,000 lives and triggered one of the worst humanitarian crises globally.
Elsewhere in the region, the Houthis were accused last week of attacking and looting the Hanaka al-Masoud village in the al-Qurayshiya district.
Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani condemned the assault, claiming it targeted homes and mosques, resulting in numerous casualties, including women and children. Rights activists alleged that the Houthis detained dozens of residents, looted valuables, and continued relentless shelling for several days.
The U.S. Embassy in Yemen condemned the Houthi actions, stating their “wrongful detentions and attacks” deprive Yemenis of peace and stability.
The explosion also occurred amid heightened tensions, as Israeli warplanes struck multiple locations in Yemen, including ports and a power station, in retaliation for Houthi missile and drone attacks on Israel. The Israeli government accused the Houthi militia of aggression and warned of continued consequences. The strikes reportedly involved over 20 aircraft, targeting sites in Sanaa, Amran, and other provinces.
