Saudi-led coalition airstrikes struck a central market in northern Yemen's al-Hazm on Wednesday, killing 14 civilians including three children and two women, according to the Houthi-run Health Ministry. Fifteen others were wounded in the midday attack near a gas station in al-Jawf province.

The strikes occurred while the market was packed with shoppers. Houthi spokesperson Anees al-Asbahi reported the casualties on social media and described the incident as targeting civilians.

The incident unfolded against a backdrop of renewed fighting in Yemen's long-running conflict. Iran-backed Houthi rebels have intensified their siege of Taiz, a key city in the south, prompting appeals for international support from Yemen's internationally recognized government.

On the same day, Houthi forces fired two ballistic missiles at Aden airport, creating craters on the runway. Yemen's Transport Ministry condemned the attacks as direct threats to passengers, crews, and workers. Houthi military spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree had earlier urged civilians to evacuate the airport, claiming a Saudi military cargo plane carrying weapons was present.

The Saudi-led coalition supports Yemen's recognized government against the Houthis, who seized control of much of the north and have received backing from Iran. Recent weeks have seen increased Houthi missile and drone activity targeting Saudi territory and Yemeni government-held areas.

This latest market strike adds to a pattern of civilian casualties reported in the conflict, which has displaced millions and created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. Saudi officials have previously stated that their operations target Houthi military sites while taking measures to avoid civilian harm.

Yemeni officials continue to seek broader international pressure on the Houthis to halt their advances and attacks on civilian infrastructure.