Al-Bayda (South24)

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Today, the internationally recognized Yemeni government accused the Houthi militia of committing a massacre of civilians in Al-Bayda Governorate in central Yemen, which left at least 20 dead, injured, or missing.

In a post on X, Yemeni Minister of Information Muammar Al-Eryani said that an armed Houthi operation blew up the homes of two families in the city of Radaa, the capital of Al-Bayda, causing the death of an as yet unconfirmed number of civilians, including women and children.

Al-Eryani pointed out that 20 civilians are still under the rubble of the demolished homes.

Pictures and videos circulated by activists show the bodies of some of the victims along with the homes that were bombed. Activists opposed to the Houthis compared today’s scenes to those in the Palestinian Gaza Strip at the hands of the Israeli army.

Press sources reported that nine citizens were killed and about 27 people were injured as a result of the Houthi bombing. Other media sources indicated that six were killed, including children and women.

Local media reported that the Houthi attack targeted the homes of the Al-Naqus and Al-Zayla’i families in retaliation for the killing of two Houthi members, who were allegedly shot by a member of the latter family last Sunday.

Houthi officials acknowledged the incident in posts on the X platform, including Hussein Al-Ezzi, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Houthi caretaker government.

#BREAKING

Senior Houthi official discussed, in a Qat gathering, the crime committed by members of their militia in Radaa, Al-Bayda Governorate#south24 pic.twitter.com/LhdZtN6pOv

— South24 | English (@South24E) March 19, 2024

In September 2021, the Houthis announced their complete control over Al-Bayda Governorate, which is located on the border with South Yemen, after battles with local resistance and forces loyal to the Yemeni government.