Massive Blast at Houthi Arms Warehouse Kills, Injures Dozens of Civilians in Yemen’s Capital

The American Center for Justice (ACJ) reported on Friday that dozens of civilians were killed and injured in a massive explosion at a Houthi weapons warehouse in the Khashm Al-Bakarah area, east of Sana’a. The incident has been described as a "humanitarian disaster" and a grave violation of international humanitarian law.

Citing eyewitnesses and medical sources, the center stated that the explosion, which occurred on Thursday, was caused by an accidental detonation inside an underground facility between Khashm Al-Bakarah and Saraf, where the Houthi group had been storing highly dangerous weapons and explosives.

The warehouse reportedly contained surface-to-air missiles, explosive materials (such as sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate), and military-grade C4 explosives.

Field testimonies documented by the ACJ confirmed that more than 60 civilians, including women and children, were killed or wounded. Most victims were taken to Zayed Hospital, Al-Moayad Hospital, the Saudi German Hospital, the Military Hospital, and the Police Hospital, while dozens remain trapped under rubble after the blast completely destroyed at least ten homes.

Houthis Impose Security Crackdown, Block Aid & Media

The ACJ noted that the Houthis imposed a strict security cordon around the explosion site, stretching from Al-Malikah area in Bani Hashish District to Zayed Hospital, while preventing rescue teams and media from accessing the area.

Heavily armed security and intelligence forces, deployed from Saraf Camp, along with military engineering units, were seen patrolling the area.

The center warned that storing weapons in civilian areas constitutes a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions and endangers innocent lives, urging legal action against Houthi leaders involved in such practices.