Aden – Yemen’s Houthi militia has vowed to punish Israel following a series of deadly airstrikes that targeted senior members of the group’s leadership in the capital, Sana’a. The strikes, carried out by the Israeli military on August 28, reportedly killed Ahmed al-Rahawi, the Houthis’ prime minister, along with several ministers.

In a televised speech, Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi condemned the attack and pledged a “decisive response,” warning that Israel would face “severe consequences” for what he described as an act of aggression. The group’s media spokesperson, Nasruddin Amer, stated that the Houthis are prepared to escalate their operations using advanced weaponry, including long-range missiles and naval cruise systems.

The Houthis have intensified their missile and drone attacks on Israel since the outbreak of the Gaza war in 2023, framing their actions as part of a broader resistance against Israeli military campaigns. Earlier this month, the group launched a missile carrying cluster munitions toward southern Israel, prompting retaliatory strikes by the Israeli Air Force.

Israeli officials have defended the strikes as necessary to neutralize threats posed by Iran-backed militias in the region. Defense Minister Israel Katz declared, “Whoever raises a hand against Israel, his hand will be cut off”.

The escalation raises concerns about further destabilization in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, where Houthi attacks have already disrupted international shipping lanes. Analysts warn that the conflict risks drawing in broader regional actors and undermining fragile ceasefire efforts.