At least six explosions struck Thursday near the presidential palace used by Yemen's internationally recognized government forces and the Saudi-led coalition that supports them in the port city of Aden, witnesses said. Five people were killed and 16 wounded, reported Yemen's health minister, with Iran-backed Houthi rebels based in northern Yemen quickly claiming responsibility.
It was a rare attack on the palace area, as fighting continues to escalate between the rebels and the Yemen-Saudi coalition in the latest front of the Iran war. The explosions caused panic among residents who fled the area.
An initial estimate put two dead and six wounded according to an official who spoke on condition of anonymity, before the health minister shared updated figures. The government said the Houthis attacked with missiles and drones, Aden-based SABA news agency reported.
A security official said at least two explosions took place on top of the hill near the Maashiq palace, and two others were near the security gate.
Many of Yemen's government leaders remain living in exile, with those in Aden staying safe from the attack, another government official said.
Read more here.
