Explosion hits public market in southwestern Yemen

An explosion struck a crowded public market in Yemen’s southwestern Taiz province on Wednesday, according to local sources.

The market in the DhuBab area, near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, was reportedly targeted by a ballistic missile. Panic spread through the area after the blast, although there were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries.

Conflicting accounts of the attack

Footage shared on social media showed a powerful explosion at the market, where large numbers of people were present. Thick smoke and dust were seen covering the area afterward.

Media outlets supportive of Yemen’s government reported that the Houthis had targeted the market with a missile. Accounts associated with the Houthis also shared footage of the incident but claimed it was caused by an airstrike.