Media reports indicate that the Houthis are ready to take action against Israel, escalating regional tensions.
According to reports, the militant group is planning significant missions after the killing of Hamas’ political leader.
According to Newsweek’s report on Monday, the Houthi militant group in Yemen has committed to taking action against Israel. This move aligns with Iran and its allies’ similar threats aimed at avenging Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh’s death in Tehran.
Worries about Tehran’s possible revenge have intensified after the killing of Haniyeh in Iran last week, leading to an increase of tensions in the area.
Although Israel has not officially stated that they were behind the killing, it occurred shortly after they targeted senior Hezbollah leader Fuad Shukr in Beirut and carried out an attack on Hodeidah port under Houthis control in Yemen resulting in 14 deaths and over 90 injuries according to local officials.
According to Newsweek, the deputy information secretary of the Houthis stated that a “multipronged” assault on Israel might involve their group and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant organization. While Nasreddin Amer did not provide further details regarding their potential participation in the attack, he implied significant action is forthcoming.
“On Monday, Amer conveyed to the outlet that our inclination during this duration is more towards action than words; I desire for the world to comprehend this.”
Since October of last year, the Houthis – a Shia Islamist organization that holds significant sway over Yemeni territory – have been assaulting commercial shipping endeavors with connections to Israel in the Red Sea. This aggressive action is seen as retribution for Israel’s bombing campaigns targeting Gaza.
According to a statement by Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree, the Yemeni Armed Forces are persisting with their military operations that range from minor tussles to full-blown combat. He further stated that these operations will continue until the cessation of aggression and relief for Palestinians in Gaza from being blockaded is attained.
Since the assassination of Haniyeh and Iran’s subsequent threats, the US has increased its military presence in various areas such as waters near Yemen, Lebanon, and Syria.
Last week, as alleged by US and Iraqi defense officials, Hussein Abdullah Mastoor al-Shabal – a Houthi commander with extensive knowledge about drones – was killed in an airstrike conducted by the US military in Iraq. While attending a meeting of local militants near Baghdad that were reportedly planning to attack American bases located within Iraq’s borders, al-Shabal became one of the victims when they bombed their building. The Pentagon stated it did not know who he was before carrying out this operation.
According to a statement released by the White House, during his recent conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Joe Biden confirmed that he is dedicated to protecting Israel from any potential danger posed by Iran and its affiliated terrorist organizations such as Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthis.
