Saudi airstrikes hit Yemen wedding party, killing 28 people

SANAA, Yemen — Yemeni security officials say two airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition targeting the country’s Shiite rebels have struck a wedding party, killing 28 people and wounding dozens.

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

A senior government official says 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 recognized government. The U.S.-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 U.N. figures.

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