Saudi Warplanes Attack Yemen Port City, Killing 32 Civilians

Saudi warplanes have attacked the city of Hodeidah, the main port on the Red Sea leading to Yemen’s capital city of Sanaa, the route through which most humanitarian aid flows into the city since the Saudi war. These attacks targeted a residential neighborhood near the presidential palace, destroying three homes and burying dozens within.

The death toll has continued to rise throughout the day, and now officials say at least 32 civilians were slain in the Saudi attack. Medical officials say they expect the toll to rise, and that they believe more people are buried within the rubble. Over 75 were also confirmed wounded so far.

The neighborhood is home to some members of the Shi’ite Houthi movement, but they do not appear to have been the ones hit in the strike, which rather leveled homes belonging to people who simply worked in the government buildings in the presidential palace complex.

Saudi officials initially claimed the attack targeted “rebel leaders,” but have since insisted the attack was “in error.” One Saudi general, however, insisted the attack was deliberate, and insisted they were sure everyone hit was part of a “Houthi meeting.”