In a dramatic escalation of regional hostilities, Yemen's Houthi rebels have confirmed the death of their prime minister, Abdel-Aziz bin Habtour, following what they describe as an Israeli airstrike on a government building in the capital Sanaa.
The attack, which occurred on Saturday, reportedly targeted a cabinet meeting, resulting in multiple casualties among high-ranking officials. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree stated the strike hit the ministry of interior's premises where the prime minister and other ministers were gathered.
Threats of Severe Retaliation
Houthi officials have vowed a forceful response to the assassination. Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, head of the group's supreme revolutionary committee, declared the attack "would not go unpunished" and warned of "escalation after escalation" in retaliation.
The Iranian-backed movement, which controls significant portions of Yemen including Sanaa, has been engaged in military operations against Israeli shipping and targets since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict, positioning themselves as part of the "axis of resistance" against Israel.
Israeli Silence and Regional Implications
Israeli officials have maintained their customary policy of neither confirming nor denying involvement in strikes abroad. However, the alleged attack represents a significant expansion of Israel's military operations amidst ongoing conflicts with Iranian-backed groups across the region.
The killing marks one of the most senior political figures eliminated since the outbreak of regional hostilities following Hamas's 7 October attack on Israel. Analysts warn this development could significantly intensify the ongoing proxy conflict between Israel and Iran throughout the Middle East.
International observers are closely monitoring the situation, concerned that this incident could trigger a new wave of violence and further destabilise an already volatile region.
