The Houthi-led government in Yemen has confirmed the deaths of Prime Minister Abdel-Aziz bin Habtour and several other high-ranking ministers in airstrikes this week. The attacks, reportedly carried out by Israeli Air Force pilots, occurred on Thursday, with the deaths officially confirmed in a statement released on Saturday night. The statement indicated that the Prime Minister and "several ministers" were killed, while others were wounded.
According to reports, nine leaders were killed in the attacks. These included the Houthis' political bureau director, the prime minister's chief of staff, the group's cabinet secretary, and ministers of justice, economy and trade, foreign affairs, agriculture, and public relations, in addition to the Prime Minister. The Houthi statement also mentioned that "several" more ministers were wounded in the attack.
In response to the assassinations, the Houthi's Supreme Political Council appointed Finance Minister Mohammed Abdel-Ghani Jamil as the acting prime minister on Saturday. The attacks targeted a gathering in Sanaa, the capital city, which has been under Houthi control since 2014. The Iran-aligned group controls most of northern and western Yemen, including the capital.
This week's attacks represent a significant escalation, marking the first time Israel has directly targeted the Houthi's top political leadership. Israeli officials reportedly monitored the attacks from the IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu involved via a secure line. The attacks on Thursday were followed by further airstrikes on Sunday, targeting ballistic missile sites and power stations in Sanaa.
Following the attacks, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz made a statement referencing biblical plagues. The strikes occurred amidst ongoing regional tensions fueled by the war in Gaza. The Houthis have been vocal supporters of Gazans, launching attacks towards Israel and targeting international shipping lanes. They have stated these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians and will continue until Israel ends its offensive in Gaza.
In its statement, the Houthi government vowed that the assassinations would not deter their campaign, reaffirming their support for the Palestinians. While most projectiles fired toward Israel have been intercepted, the Houthi attacks on commercial vessels have disrupted global shipping, prompting a military response from a U.S.-led coalition.
5 Comments
Fuerza
Peace sometimes requires strong military responses to eliminate threats. I support these measures.
Manolo Noriega
How can anyone justify these attacks? It's hard to see how this brings about any change for the better.
Fuerza
This kind of military action disregards international law. It’s unacceptable to target political leaders in this way.
Ongania
It's outrageous that the airstrikes targeted political leaders instead of focusing on innocent civilians who are already suffering in Yemen.
Fuerza
The Israeli government should be ashamed for this. No one wins in a conflict where political assassination is the norm.