Explosions near Yemeni government palace in Aden kill at least two; Houthis claim attack

Multiple explosions struck near the Al-Maashiq palace complex in Aden on Thursday, 15 October 2026. Yemen's internationally recognised government uses the complex, and Aden is its interim capital. At least two people were killed. Reports describe the attack as a rare strike on the palace area.

Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility. Yemeni government officials said missiles were used.

Government sources said Prime Minister Shaya al-Zindani was unharmed. The Guardian quoted an anonymous government minister as saying he "was not harmed in any way". Deutsche Welle (DW) cited Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani and the Information Ministry to the same effect.

Earlier on Thursday, the Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted a missile over Saudi Arabia's Medina province.

Witnesses described at least six explosions, according to The Guardian, France 24 and The Hindu. A security official said at least two were on top of the hill near the palace and two others near the security gate. Residents fled in panic, according to the same reports.

According to AFP, an anonymous minister said three missiles hit a Saudi-led coalition command centre and two hit coalition forces' headquarters at the presidential complex. The minister said there were Yemeni and Saudi casualties but gave no toll. According to The Guardian, an anonymous minister also said the Prime Minister was present. The Guardian noted there was no immediate confirmation that he was in the palace.

Al-Eryani said five missiles were used, according to DW. The Aden-based Saba news agency reported that the government said the Houthis used missiles and drones. DW reported it is unclear whether the palace itself was hit.

What is disputed

Casualty figures differ. An anonymous official cited by the Associated Press (AP) gave at least two dead and six wounded; France 24 called this an initial estimate. Yemen's Information Ministry said two members of the Prime Minister's security detail were killed, according to DW. Government military sources cited by AFP gave at least four dead and ten wounded. Yemen's health minister gave five dead and 16 wounded, which France 24 described as updated figures.

What each side says

The Houthis said they attacked a military operations headquarters of the "Saudi enemy", according to The Guardian. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree said the strikes targeted "Saudi military operations headquarters in Aden", DW reported, citing Reuters. Saree denied that the Houthis carried out the missile attack intercepted over Medina.

The coalition did not assign blame for the Medina missile. Saudi Arabia also said it destroyed a drone over the Eastern Province and intercepted one in Khamis Mushait. The reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not include any Saudi or coalition statement about the Aden attack or about Saudi casualties.

Separately, the World Food Programme said it can no longer reach more than 600,000 aid-dependent people in Taiz, according to France 24.

Analysis

The attack touches the seat of Yemen's recognised government in Aden. It also points to the Saudi role in the conflict, which the Houthis cite to justify their targeting. Much remains unverified. The reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not show the damage, confirm the Prime Minister's location, or include a Saudi statement on the Aden strike. If Saudi personnel are confirmed among the casualties, the strike could draw a coalition response. If not, it may stay one incident among several reported this week. The reports also disagree on when the war re-escalated: The Guardian says July, DW says September.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.