Houthi missiles hit Yemen recruit camp; local officials say about 50 dead

Three Houthi missiles hit a camp in Yemen's government-controlled Shabwa province, killing about 50 new security recruits, local authorities told the BBC. Officials said the camp was being used to train recruits.

The Guardian and PBS NewsHour put the toll at at least 53. Deutsche Welle says at least 50. The New York Times, citing officials, says dozens died. The Guardian calls it the largest single loss of life since the civil war reignited in September.

The Guardian says more than 200 people were injured, mostly young recruits. It names the site as the al-Alam police and army camp in the Jardan district. The wounded were taken to a hospital in Ataq, where appeals for blood donations went out. The UN-recognised government called the attack a disaster, according to the paper.

Deutsche Welle says the Iran-backed Houthis claimed responsibility. The New York Times describes the camp as in the desert, deep in government-held territory. Al Jazeera's early report quoted a government forces spokesman who said at least 18 were dead and that the missiles landed during a training exercise.

Deutsche Welle says the strike followed deadly attacks over the weekend that were blamed on Saudi-led forces. PBS says the escalating fighting has shattered a 2022 ceasefire that had largely halted the war.