United News of Bangladesh

Yemen's Houthi group said Tuesday that Saudi warplanes conducted 52 airstrikes in five Yemeni provinces over the past 24 hours as cross-border fighting between the two sides intensified. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a statement on X that F-15 and Typhoon fighter jets carried out the attacks after taking off from Saudi air bases in Khamis Mushait and Taif. According to Sarea, the strikes targeted Taiz in southwestern Yemen, Al-Jawf in the north, Al-Bayda in central Yemen, and Saada and Amran provinces in the north. He alleged that schools, bridges, roads and other civilian infrastructure were among the targets, and warned that the attacks “will not go unanswered,” indicating possible further Houthi retaliation. Saudi authorities did not immediately comment on the allegations. Meanwhile, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported that three civilians, including two children, were killed and two others injured in airstrikes on the Dhubab and Maqbanah districts of Taiz. The broadcaster also reported additional strikes on a government complex in Khadir district in southeastern Taiz, saying there were casualties but providing no further details. The latest Saudi strikes came a day after the Houthis launched missile and drone attacks on Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif. The Saudi-led coalition said the attacks injured 13 civilians and pledged a “responsible and firm” response. The escalation comes amid a Houthi offensive that began Sept. 3 and has changed front lines along Yemen's Red Sea coast. The Houthis captured the strategic port city of Mocha on Sept. 10 before advancing toward the Bab al-Mandab area and taking control of Mayun Island, located in the strategic strait, on Sept. 11. Yemen's conflict began in late 2014 when the Houthis seized Sanaa and large parts of northern Yemen. A Saudi-led coalition intervened in March 2015 in support of the internationally recognized government.