US strikes kill senior Houthi leader, escalating tensions in Yemen

In an escalation of the ongoing conflict in Yemen, Abdul Nasser Al-Kamali, a senior intelligence leader in the Houthi movement, was killed in a US airstrike targeting multiple sites across the country.

The strike, which took place in key areas such as Sana'a and Hodeidah, was part of the US' sustained campaign to dismantle Houthi military capabilities and disrupt their strategic operations, Caliber.Az reports via Yemen media.

Local sources confirmed that Al-Kamali’s death represents a substantial blow to the Houthi leadership, potentially crippling their intelligence-gathering operations. The airstrike specifically targeted Houthi command centres, weapons depots, and logistical hubs, aiming to disrupt the group’s ability to coordinate military operations across Yemen.

This development is part of a broader context of rising tensions in the region, as the United States continues to monitor the activities of the Houthi movement and other militant factions in the area. The US has reiterated its commitment to countering regional security threats while stressing the importance of minimizing harm to civilians amidst the ongoing conflict.

The Houthi movement responded by confirming the death of Al-Kamali, describing it as a significant loss. The airstrikes also affected other key Houthi strongholds, including Sana'a, the capital, and Hodeidah, a critical port city. The targeted strikes have sparked concerns of further escalation, with observers fearing the potential for retaliatory actions by the Houthis and their allies in the region.

In addition to the airstrike on Al-Kamali, the US military has also carried out operations targeting high-value Houthi assets in recent weeks. A US official confirmed earlier reports that the strikes killed several senior Houthi operatives, including a top missile expert. However, the Pentagon has yet to officially confirm the identity of the Houthi commander who was reportedly killed in the operation.

National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, in an interview following the March 15 strikes, confirmed that the initial wave of US airstrikes had targeted the Houthi missile program, eliminating the group's “head missileer.” US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, have not yet provided confirmation of the death of any specific individuals linked to the missile program, including Abdul Khaliq Badruddin Al-Houthi, the de-facto commander of the Houthi Strategic Missile Forces.

The ongoing airstrikes come amid a broader regional context, with the US intensifying efforts to curb the influence of Iran-backed militias operating in Yemen and across the Middle East. While the Houthi movement continues to control significant parts of northern Yemen, these targeted strikes are part of a broader strategy to undermine their military capabilities and curb their ability to carry out cross-border attacks.

The situation remains fluid, with both local and international players closely monitoring the evolving dynamics in Yemen, which has been embroiled in a devastating civil war for nearly a decade. As the conflict continues, the strategic importance of the region and the involvement of international actors remain central to discussions on both security and humanitarian concerns.

The United States has made it clear that it will continue to take decisive action against any groups that pose a threat to US interests or regional stability, while maintaining a focus on minimizing civilian casualties and supporting humanitarian efforts in the war-torn country.

By Vafa Guliyeva