Conflict in Yemen

A civil war in Yemen between the internationally recognized government, assisted by a coalition of Arabian states, and Houthi rebels, an ethnic group from northern Yemen, has been taking place since September 2014.

On Oct. 8, a Saudi air strike hit a funeral hall in Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, killing at least 140 people and injuring more than 600. At the time of the bombing, a funeral for the father of a Houthi official was being held. Saudi Arabia has said that the target was unintentional and is investigating the bombing.
Days after the bombing, two US Navy ships positioned in the Red Sea were targeted by Houthi-fired missiles. There were no reports of casualties or damage. To prevent further attacks, US ships fired on radar stations within Yemen.

On Oct. 27, a ballistic missile fired from Yemen into Saudi Arabia was brought down by a Saudi Patriot missile. The missile was only 40 miles south of the holy city of Mecca at the time it was intercepted, and the Saudi government claimed that Mecca was the target. However, a Houthi spokesperson said the missile was targeting King Abdulaziz International Airport in the city of Jeddah, northeast of Mecca.