Houthi Military Chief Killed in Israeli Strike

Taiz,_,Yemen,_,10,July,2020,:,The,Yemeni

Iran-backed Houthis vow revenge against Israel after a targeted strike kills their military chief of staff alongside his 13-year-old son.

Story Snapshot

Israeli airstrike kills Houthi military chief Major General Muhammad Abdul Karim al-Gamari in Yemen’s capital
Al-Gamari’s 13-year-old son and several companions also died in the late August strike on leadership compound
Iran-backed Houthis threaten retaliation against Israel, warning conflict rounds have not ended
Strike targeted senior Houthi leadership while Gaza ceasefire remains in effect

Israeli Strike Eliminates Key Houthi Commander

Major General Muhammad Abdul Karim al-Gamari, the military chief of staff for Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis, died from wounds sustained in an Israeli airstrike that targeted the group’s leadership compound in Sana’a. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the successful elimination, describing it as the “strike of the firstborn.” The precision targeting demonstrates Israel’s intelligence capabilities and willingness to strike Iranian proxy forces across the region, sending a clear message about consequences for threats against Israeli interests.

Watch: Yemen’s Houthis say military chief killed in Israeli strike; Israel confirms | Firstpost Live | N18G

Civilian Casualties Raise Stakes in Regional Conflict

The strike killed al-Gamari’s 13-year-old son and several companions, adding a tragic dimension to the military operation. According to the Houthi-run Saba news agency, the late August attack hit the group’s leadership compound directly. While Israel targeted military leadership, the civilian casualties provide ammunition for Iranian proxies seeking to justify expanded attacks against Israeli targets. This collateral damage reflects the complex reality of combating terrorist organizations that deliberately embed military assets within civilian areas.

Houthis Promise Escalation Despite Israeli Deterrence

Houthi leadership described al-Gamari’s death as “a source of pride” while vowing revenge against Israel. The group warned that “rounds of conflict with the enemy have not ended” and promised Israel would “receive its deterrent punishment for the crimes it has committed.” These threats demonstrate how Iranian proxy forces continue destabilizing regional peace efforts. The Houthis’ defiant response reveals their commitment to Iran’s broader strategy of surrounding Israel with hostile forces, undermining prospects for lasting Middle East stability.

Regional Tensions Persist Amid Gaza Ceasefire

The incident occurred while a ceasefire continues holding in Gaza, highlighting how Iranian-backed groups operate independently of Palestinian conflicts. This strike represents Israel’s proactive approach to neutralizing threats before they materialize into direct attacks on Israeli territory. The timing underscores that regional peace requires addressing Iran’s network of proxy forces, not just resolving individual conflicts. America’s strategic interests align with supporting Israel’s right to preemptive self-defense against Iranian proxies threatening regional allies and shipping lanes.