EXPLOSION ROCKS YEMEN’S AL HUDAYDAH DAYS AFTER HOUTHI DRONE ATTACK
A powerful explosion rocked the strategic port city of Al Hudaydah in Yemen on Tuesday, causing widespread destruction and chaos just days after a drone attack by Houthi rebels.
The blast, which occurred at around 9:00 am local time, sent shockwaves through the city, leaving at least 15 people injured and dozens more trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.
According to eyewitnesses, the explosion was so powerful that it could be heard and felt for miles around, causing panic and fear among residents of the city.
"It was like a mini-earthquake," said one local resident, who wished to remain anonymous. "I was in my home when I heard the blast. I rushed outside to see what was happening, and I saw buildings collapsing and people running for their lives."
The blast is believed to have been caused by a fuel tanker that exploded at a depot in the city, although the exact circumstances of the incident are still unclear.
The city of Al Hudaydah has been a key battleground in the Yemeni civil war, with Houthi rebels seeking to capture the port and city from government forces.
On Saturday, the Houthis launched a drone attack on a Saudi-led coalition base in Al Hudaydah, killing several soldiers and injuring many more. The attack was widely condemned by the international community, with the United Nations calling for an immediate ceasefire.
The explosion on Tuesday is likely to escalate tensions in the region, with both sides trading blame for the incident.
"This is a clear example of the Houthis’ reckless and irresponsible behavior," said a spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition. "Their attack on our base was a deliberate attempt to destabilize the region, and now they are responsible for this explosion that has caused harm to innocent civilians."
The Houthis, meanwhile, have denied any involvement in the blast, and have accused the coalition of staging the incident to discredit them.
"This is a lie spread by the coalition to cover up their own crimes," said a Houthi spokesperson. "We condemn this explosion and call on the international community to hold the coalition accountable for its actions."
The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of humanitarian aid deliveries in the region. Al Hudaydah is one of the main entry points for aid into Yemen, and the blast has raised fears that the city’s infrastructure may be further damaged.
"This is a disaster for the people of Yemen," said a spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. "We urge all parties to the conflict to exercise restraint and to prioritize the safety of civilians and aid workers."
As the situation in Al Hudaydah continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the conflict in Yemen is escalating, and the consequences for civilians are dire.