Missile strike on Yemen palace kills five; government officials unharmed

Yemen's information minister confirmed that ballistic missiles fired by Houthi forces struck al-Maashiq Palace, a key government installation, resulting in at least five fatalities. Despite the direct hit on the presidential compound, the minister stated that Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed and other cabinet members escaped injury during the assault.

The attack underscores the continuing threat posed by the Iran-backed Houthis to Yemen's internationally recognized government. The militant group has periodically launched missile and drone strikes against government installations and civilian infrastructure in recent years.

Al-Maashiq Palace has served as a residence and administrative center for Yemen's leadership. The strike comes amid ongoing tensions between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition supporting the Yemeni government, a conflict that has devastated the country and created a severe humanitarian crisis.

Yemen's security situation remains volatile, with the Houthis controlling significant population centers in the country's northwest. The group has demonstrated the capacity to carry out sophisticated military operations despite years of coalition airstrikes targeting their capabilities.