Senior government official says strikes, which also wounded dozens of people, were ‘a mistake’

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

Yemeni security officials said two airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition targeting the country’s Shia rebels hit a wedding party, killing 28 people and wounding dozens.

The officials, who remain neutral in the conflict that has splintered Yemen, said Monday’s strikes hit the celebration in al-Wahga, a village near the strait of Bab al-Mandab.

A senior government official said the strikes were “a mistake”.

Yemen’s conflict pits the rebels, known as Houthis, and forces loyal to a former president against the Saudi-backed and internationally recognised government. The US-backed, Saudi-led coalition has been carrying out airstrikes against the rebels since March. The conflict has killed at least 2,100 civilians, according to UN figures.

All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to talk to the media.