Houthis strike Yemen’s presidential complex in Aden; casualty toll remains disputed

Missiles struck the Maashiq Palace complex in Aden on Thursday, October 15. The site is used by Yemen’s internationally recognized government. Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani said Prime Minister Shaya al-Zindani and cabinet members were safe; two officials told [Reuters](https://theprint.in/world/houthis-attack-presidential-palace-complex-in-yemens-aden-pm-unharmed-officials-say/3073154/) that five missiles hit and two palace guards were killed. The Houthis claimed they hit a Saudi-run military operations headquarters and weapons stores inside the complex. Reuters said it could not independently verify those targets. Witnesses told the [Associated Press](https://apnews.com/article/saudia-arabia-yemen-houthi-rebels-explosions-ed4dcdad5cfd4b08033b1af5cf81dca5) they heard at least six explosions near the palace and security gate. The casualty count remains unsettled: Reuters and [EFE](https://efe.com/mundo/2026-10-15/ataque-huti-palacio-presidencial-yemen/) reported two guards killed, while a later [AFP dispatch](https://noticias.uol.com.br/ultimas-noticias/afp/2026/10/15/ataque-de-houthis-a-palacio-presidencial-deixam-4-mortos-no-iemen.amp.htm), citing three government military sources, put the toll at four dead and ten wounded. AP’s earlier account said two had died and six were wounded. Yemen’s cabinet had not issued a final tally in EFE’s report, and the extent of damage remains unclear. The strike marks a rare attack on the government’s Aden base as the Houthi conflict with the Saudi-led coalition intensifies. The government says it will continue its military campaign, according to EFE; the Houthis describe the palace target as a Saudi military command post. Independent confirmation of that claimed target has not been reported. ~worldnews ~yemen ~missile