Houthi Ministry Says 2 Dead at Taiz Gas Station

The Houthi-run Health Ministry in Yemen said government forces struck a gas station in Taiz province late Monday, killing at least two people and wounding several others. Ministry spokesperson Anees al-Asbahi made the accusation Tuesday as fighting intensified around the provincial capital, which remains besieged. Houthi-controlled Al-Masirah TV aired footage showing two bodies in body bags and wounded people receiving care at a hospital. The Associated Press could not independently verify the account.

Human Rights Watch issued a report Monday saying Houthi fighters used explosives on Oct. 18 to heavily damage the Hayjat al-Abd road leading into Taiz city. The group described that route as a main entry point for food, fuel and medicine. It warned that the damage could violate international law if the intent was to disable infrastructure that civilians depend on to survive. The report also said the attack may have harmed civilians. Humanitarian conditions in Taiz city have been worsening.

Brig. Gen. Turki al-Malki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, wrote on X overnight Tuesday that coalition forces shot down four Houthi drones aimed at Saudi Arabia's south and intercepted three ballistic missiles aimed at its eastern region. He released no additional detail or evidence, and the Associated Press could not verify the claim.

Egypt's parliament on Monday approved a measure requested by President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi to back Saudi Arabia. Lawmakers held a closed session as public concern grew that Egypt could be drawn into the Yemen conflict. Egypt's highest security body had previously pledged all necessary support to Saudi Arabia to defend its security and stability, protect resources and territorial integrity, and safeguard Islamic holy sites.

Houthi political bureau member Mohammed al-Bukhaiti said Tuesday in a video interview with the Associated Press that Egypt's backing for Saudi Arabia would count as a hostile action. He said Egypt would be pulled into what he called aggression against Yemen, and added that Saudi Arabia, as he described it, the aggressor in Yemen, does not need anyone to defend it.

The Egyptian parliament approved the measure in a closed session Monday. The Houthi Health Ministry reported the gas station casualties Tuesday. The Hayjat al-Abd road was damaged on Oct. 18.