The Houthi militia says Saudi airstrikes in north-west Yemen's al-Jawf province struck a prison and left 14 people killed or injured. Houthi sources say 35 inmates were inside the facility; several were hospitalised and others are believed trapped under rubble. Video released by the Houthis shows heavy damage, but the footage and claims have not been independently verified. Fighting has intensified as Yemeni government forces press operations to reclaim Houthi-held territory, ending a largely observed truce since 2022.
Houthis Say Saudi Airstrikes Hit Prison in Al-Jawf, 14 Killed or Injured
FILE PHOTO - Armed members of the Iran-backed Houthi militia take part in a demonstration against US and Israel. (is associated with: «Houthis say Saudi strikes hit prison in Yemen») Osamah Yahya/dpa
The Houthi militia in north-west Yemen reported that Saudi-led airstrikes struck positions in al-Jawf province and hit a prison, causing casualties and damage to the facility.
Casualties and Damage
Houthi-controlled health authorities said 14 people were killed or injured in the strikes. Houthi sources added that a prison was hit; 35 inmates were inside at the time. Several prisoners were taken to hospital, while others were reported to be trapped under rubble.
Evidence and Verification
The Houthis released video footage showing extensive damage to parts of the building. The imagery and the claims have not been independently verified by third-party monitors or international media.
"The Saudi aggression against Yemen will not go unanswered," Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree said.
Wider Context
Fighting in al-Jawf has escalated in recent days as Yemeni government forces launched a military operation to retake territory held by the Houthis. The Iran-backed Houthis and Yemen's Saudi-backed government have been in conflict for more than a decade. An informal truce that largely held since 2022 has frayed amid renewed hostilities linked to broader regional tensions.
There was no immediate comment from Riyadh. Independent verification of the incident, the casualty toll and the circumstances of the strike remains pending; access and security conditions in the area complicate reporting.
Humanitarian concerns: Attacks on detention facilities and populated areas raise serious protection issues for detainees and civilians. International agencies and monitors typically call for transparent investigations and safeguards to prevent harm to non-combatants.
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