Description: Yemen’s Houthi government confirmed that Prime Minister Ahmed Al – Rahawi has been killed in Israeli airstrikes that targeted several locations across the country’s capital Sanaa and the coastal city of Hodeida. The announcement arrives after increased aerial campaigns and combined ground and aerial incursions on ships across the Bab al Mandab Straight, a key seaborne trading route that connects, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has stated that Israel remains engaged on several fronts on the Middle East, such as Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank in order to neutralize threats to its national security. The Houthis have previously concluded a ceasefire with the US, after months of US aerial attacks which have destroyed key tactical targets in the country and decommissioned the main airport in Sanaa.
Impact: Israel’s assassination of the Houthi Prime Minister would solicitate a stern response from the militant group, despite the organization’s depleted capacities which came as a result of increased military pressure from the US and Israel in the past couple of months. The Iranian – backed group is experiencing a substantial decrease in operational capabilities which were further deteriorated by the 12 Day War, which significantly debilitated Iran’s military and political echelon. Several weapons shipments have been intercepted, and the Houthis have become more self – reliant regarding financing, logistics and other operational capacities with the rapid transformation causing disruptions in their capacities. Early reports showed no indication of internal divisions, as the group’s leader, Abdel Malik Al Houthi, has vowed retaliation.