Yemen’s Houthis launched renewed missile and drone attacks on al-Makha port on August 10, 2026, killing at least 11 people and damaging infrastructure, according to AFP and Reuters. The strikes followed an earlier barrage the previous day, with government forces intercepting drones and missiles.
The Houthis intensified attacks on Yemen’s Red Sea port city of al-Makha on August 10, 2026, less than 24 hours after a prior assault, according to reports. At least 11 people were killed, including eight military personnel and three civilians, with 32 others injured, as per AFP. The attacks caused extensive damage to the commercial port, including infrastructure, commercial goods, and food supplies, according to The Associated Press.
Attack Details and Casualties
The latest strikes occurred on Sunday evening, with Yemeni government forces reporting the interception of six drones and two ballistic missiles during the assault. Footage from Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV showed multiple missiles and drones being launched. The attacks followed an earlier barrage on August 9 that killed 11, according to AFP. Government authorities also stated that an unmanned explosive boat was destroyed near the port, as reported by Reuters.
Houthi Justification and Claims
The Houthis attributed the attacks to an alleged continued Saudi military buildup
along Yemen’s western coast and in Taiz province, according to Reuters. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed the operation targeted Saudi troop concentrations and weapon depots. A separate Houthi political council member, Hizam al-Assad, suggested that explosions and fires at the port were caused by stored military equipment, though this was not independently verified.
Impact on Port and Regional Tensions
The assaults extended beyond al-Makha, targeting the al-Khokha district near Hodeidah. Government forces reported that a Houthi ballistic missile struck the residence of Hodeidah’s governor, al-Hassan Taher, though he survived an assassination attempt, according to Al-Jumhuriya TV. The attacks have exacerbated tensions in the region, with the National Resistance Forces urging residents to stay indoors amid accusations of indiscriminate shelling
by the Houthis.