**Houthis Launch New Attacks on al-Makha and Marib as Yemen Conflict Escalates**
*August 16, 2026*
In a significant escalation of the ongoing Yemen conflict, Houthi forces have launched a series of missile and drone attacks on the coastal city of al-Makha and the central city of Marib, resulting in multiple casualties. Local media reports indicate that the overnight assaults have left at least four people dead and eight injured, with damage reported to civilian infrastructure.
The attacks on al-Makha targeted the outskirts of the port city, which is located along Yemen's Red Sea coast. One strike hit a main road within the city, disrupting daily activities. Abdulmalik al-Sharabi, the director general of the government-controlled al-Makha airport, confirmed that port operations had already been halted in response to ongoing strikes in the area.
In Marib, the Houthis launched six ballistic missiles and four drones aimed at residential neighborhoods on Saturday evening. This assault resulted in four injuries and inflicted damage on homes and other civilian facilities, according to the local government media office.
The recent surge in violence marks a departure from a relative lull in fighting that had persisted since April 2022. The conflict, which began nearly 12 years ago, has seen the Houthis maintain control over the capital, Sanaa, and various other regions since September 2014.
In response to the Houthi offensive, the Yemeni military reported conducting 181 operations targeting Houthi positions across several governorates over the weekend. These military actions reportedly resulted in the deaths and injuries of numerous Houthi members, although the group acknowledged the loss of only four of its fighters without providing additional context.
Earlier this month, the Houthis escalated their military activities further by attacking military camps in both Marib and Hadramout, leading to the deaths of at least 30 government soldiers. This incident was noted as one of the deadliest single episodes in the conflict in recent years. Following these events, renewed fighting has been reported in various provinces, including al-Jawf, al-Dhalea, and Taiz.
As the situation continues to develop, the humanitarian implications of the renewed violence remain a pressing concern, with many civilians caught in the crossfire amid a protracted conflict that has already led to widespread suffering and displacement across Yemen.