Fighting intensifies in Yemen as Houthis deny targeting Mecca
Fighting has intensified across Yemen as Saudi-backed forces battle Houthi fighters aligned with Iran, while the conflict’s humanitarian toll rises sharply. The Houthis rejected Saudi accusations that they had targeted Mecca, Islam’s holiest city, calling the claims “lies.” Their spokesperson said the group had instead launched a drone at a pumping station in Yanbu on the Red Sea and fired three cruise missiles at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. Saudi-led coalition forces said they intercepted the missiles and drones aimed at Mecca, Riyadh and southern Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities reported that debris from two intercepted ballistic missiles fell in the village of Sabuhah in Mecca province.
Inside Yemen, the Saudi-backed army reported 773 artillery attacks, 44 drone strikes and 37 rocket attacks in al-Jawf, Marib, al-Bayda and Taiz. Coalition aircraft carried out 23 air strikes, reportedly damaging 86 heavy weapons and military vehicles, while at least 138 Houthi fighters were killed or wounded. The Houthis said they had struck a Saudi coalition command centre in Aden’s al-Buraiqa district with several ballistic missiles.
The World Health Organization said casualties had reached 11,755 by November 8, including 2,098 deaths and 9,657 injuries. More than 2,000 casualties were recorded in only nine days, with Marib and Lahij among the worst-affected areas. More than 320,000 people have been displaced since August 1, including nearly 16,000 in the past week. Strikes have also damaged health facilities and ambulances, while fuel shortages are disrupting emergency services in Taiz.
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