Taiz (South24 Center)

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One civilian was killed and at least 22 others were injured, including a child and three girls, in an explosion followed by a massive fire at a fuel station in the Hawd Al-Ashraf area of Taiz city in North Yemen early Thursday (July 3), in what pro-government sources described as a drone strike linked to the Houthi group.

#عاجل |
مدير مكتب الصحة في تعز لـ"سوث24": 22 إصابة بينها 3 حالات حرجة جراء انفجار محطة الوقود في حوض الأشراف#south24 pic.twitter.com/qLbPJyPH7u

— South24 | عربي (@South24_net) July 3, 2025

In a statement to South24 Center, Taiz Health Office Director Abdulrahman Al-Sabri confirmed the casualty toll, noting that three of the injured were in critical condition.

The incident occurred amid a broader military escalation in the area. Forces affiliated with Yemen’s internationally recognized government said they repelled a large-scale assault by the Houthis on army positions east of the city.

According to a statement from the Media Center of the Taiz Military Axis, the drone strike on the Al-Qudsi fuel station caused several powerful explosions and a fire that spread to nearby homes and another fuel facility.

Residents reported hearing at least three loud explosions at dawn, followed by anti-aircraft fire from nearby army units.

While the cause of the explosion was initially unclear, the Taiz Military Axis has since linked the attack to the Houthi group. The Houthis have not commented on the incident.

Hawd Al-Ashraf, located near former frontlines, remains vulnerable to recurrent violence amid ongoing conflict. An investigation into the incident is underway.