The Ministry of Human Rights condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack launched by the terrorist Houthi militia on Thursday, 15 October 2026, using missiles and drones against Maashiq Palace in the temporary capital, Aden, which resulted in deaths and injuries among security guards and personnel working at the palace, in a criminal assault that reflects the militia’s determination to continue its approach of violence and terrorism, targeting state institutions and endangering civilian lives.
The Ministry affirms that this attack constitutes a serious violation of the rules of international humanitarian law, which prohibit the targeting of civilians and civilian objects, as well as indiscriminate attacks and attacks against civilians.
The Ministry holds the terrorist Houthi militia responsible for this attack and the resulting loss of life and damage, and affirms that the deliberate targeting of civilians or protected civilian objects constitutes a war crime that requires criminal accountability under the rules of international law.
The Ministry considers that this attack comes within the context of an ongoing pattern of violations committed by the terrorist Houthi militia against the Yemeni people, including targeting residential areas and civilian facilities, endangering civilian lives, and undermining the foundations of security and stability. It affirms that the continuation of these practices requires serious international action that goes beyond statements of concern and condemnation to taking practical steps that ensure the protection of civilians, the cessation of attacks, accountability for those responsible, and an end to the series of crimes committed by this militia supported by the Iranian regime.
The Ministry calls on the United Nations, the international community, and international mechanisms concerned with human rights and international humanitarian law to clearly condemn this attack, support state measures to investigate the violations committed, ensure the preservation of evidence, and hold those responsible accountable in accordance with the law, thereby ensuring that perpetrators of crimes and violations criminalized under international law do not escape punishment.
The Ministry affirms that targeting state institutions and civilian facilities will not deter the Yemeni government from fulfilling its responsibilities to protect citizens and safeguard their rights, nor will it succeed in undermining the presence of state institutions or subjecting the temporary capital, Aden, to threats and terrorism. The Ministry renews its commitment to monitoring and documenting human rights violations, coordinating with the relevant national, regional, and international authorities, and working to secure justice for victims and ensure accountability.
The Ministry of Human Rights extends its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the martyrs and wishes the wounded and injured a speedy recovery. It affirms that protecting civilian lives and ensuring their safety is a legal and humanitarian duty that must not be neglected, and that crimes involving attacks against civilians and civilian objects must not go without investigation and accountability.
Issued by: Ministry of Human Rights
Aden | 15 October 2026
