At least 30 killed in airstrike on market in Yemen's Taiz province

An airstrike targeting a market in Taiz province, Yemen, killed at least 30 people and injured eight others, according to a spokesperson for the Houthi-run health ministry.

The attack occurred at al-Hadara market in al-Waziyah, as ongoing conflict between Houthi rebels and Saudi-backed government forces continues to escalate.

Both the Houthi rebels and Yemen's Saudi-backed military accused each other of carrying out the strike, though the Associated Press could not independently confirm either claim.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed three airstrikes hit the market around 7 am, blaming Saudi Arabia and alleging aircraft took off from Khamis Mushait air base.

Anees Alsabahi, a Houthi health ministry spokesperson, reported the casualties in a post on X, with footage from Al-Masirah showing damage to the market area.

Yemen's government in Taiz denied involvement, stating no airstrikes had occurred in the area, though they acknowledged the market had been attacked and casualties were reported.

The attack comes amid heightened fighting in Yemen, including recent Houthi missile strikes against government forces in Shabwa province and accusations of Saudi strikes on a prison in Jawf province.

Control of Taiz is strategically significant, as it provides a route toward southern Yemen, and the city remains under the internationally recognized government's control despite Houthi encirclement.

Residents in Taiz face worsening conditions due to restricted movement and limited access to food and water, as fighting continues around the city.