Dozens killed in Houthi attack on South Yemen’s largest base

At least 30 soldiers were killed and 60 wounded in Houthi strikes on a military base belonging to forces of the Yemeni government, a spokesman for southern forces said.

Sunday’s attack on the al-Anad military base southern province of Lahij was carried out using armed drones and ballistic missiles, said Mohamed al-Naqeeb, the spokesman.

According to residents, several loud blasts were heard in the al-Anad area. 

A military source told "South 24" that the attack targeted a camp where soldiers from the "Third Giants Brigade" were training.

Paramedics described a chaotic scene at the base following the explosions, with soldiers carrying their wounded colleagues to safety fearing another attack.

Local activists published pictures from the attack location that showed soldiers covered in blood and charred bodies covered with cloth.

In 2019, the Houthis said they launched a drone strike on al-Anad during a military parade with paramedics and government sources saying at the time at least six loyalists were killed – including a high-ranking intelligence official.

Houthis' military spokesman did not confirm or deny the attack, which carries the hallmarks of the Iranian-backed rebels. 

Al-Anad, 60km (40 miles) north of Yemen’s second city Aden, was the headquarters for US troops overseeing a long-running drone war against AQAP until March 2014 when it was overrun by the Houthi rebels.