Houthi Military Chief Killed in Israeli Strike, Group Vows Retaliation

The military chief of Yemen’s Houthi rebels has been killed. Major General Mohammed al-Ghamari died in an Israeli attack, the group confirmed. His death was announced just days into a fragile Gaza ceasefire.

The Iran-backed Houthi movement threatened severe retaliation for the killing. This event risks reigniting regional tensions following a period of relative calm.

Senior Commander and Son Killed in Attack

Major General Mohammed al-Ghamari was a key figure in the Houthi military structure. A Houthi military statement said he died in “honourable battle against the Israeli enemy”. He was killed alongside his 13-year-old son and several companions.

The exact date and location of the attack were not specified. However, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz claimed Ghamari “died of his wounds” from a strike in August. That earlier strike killed the Houthi prime minister and half of his cabinet.

Houthis Pledge Severe Retaliatory Measures

The Houthi statement promised a forceful response. It declared that “the rounds of conflict with the enemy have not ended”. The group vowed Israel would receive “deterrent punishment” for its actions.

According to Reuters, the Houthis have been a persistent threat to shipping. They began attacking Israel-linked vessels in the Red Sea early in the Gaza war. Their campaign has included hundreds of military operations using drones and missiles.

The group is a crucial part of Iran’s “axis of resistance”. Their frequent attacks have drawn heavy Israeli and American responses. A recent U.S. bombing campaign resulted in significant casualties.

The killing of a top Houthi military chief represents a significant escalation. It directly challenges the group’s leadership and threatens to undermine the ongoing ceasefire. The situation remains highly volatile as the region awaits the Houthi’s promised retaliation.

Thought you’d like to know-

Who was Major General Mohammed al-Ghamari?

He was the military chief of the Houthi rebels in Yemen. He was a senior commander responsible for their military operations. His death is a major blow to the group’s structure.

How did the Houthis confirm his death?

The group issued an official military statement. They announced he was killed in battle against Israel. The statement did not provide specific details about the attack’s location or exact timing.

What has been the Houthi role in the Gaza conflict?

The Houthis have repeatedly attacked Israeli targets and international shipping. They claim these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Their campaign has disrupted a major global trade route.

How has Israel responded to the announcement?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Ghamari was “eliminated”. He added that Israel would target all terrorist commanders who seek to harm the country. This aligns with Israel’s policy of targeted strikes.

Why is this killing significant now?

It comes just days into a ceasefire for the two-year Gaza war. This act threatens to shatter the fragile truce. It could provoke a new cycle of violence between the Houthis and Israel.