A Houthi ballistic attack kills dozens in Waziyah, Taiz
Field developments in Yemen coinciding with international reports on Houthi supply networks, and security developments in Iraq and Lebanon.
Quick Look
- The Yemeni army accused the Houthis of targeting the popular Hadara market in Al-Wazzaiya district, west of Taiz, with a ballistic missile, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries, coinciding with the expansion of confrontations on the Taiz, Lahj, Al-Jawf and Marib fronts.
- The UN experts' report also revealed that the Houthis rely on external supply networks to develop their military arsenal.
- In Iraq, the Prime Minister authorized army commanders to confront possible violations by factions that updated their targets due to signals of imminent US strikes on Iran, with security measures on the borders with Iran, Syria, and Kuwait.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The conflict in Yemen continues between the Yemeni army and the Houthi group, with confrontations expanding on multiple fronts. UN reports revealed that the Houthis rely on external supply networks to develop their military capabilities, including missiles and drones. In Iraq, fears are growing about possible US strikes on Iran and their impact on internal security. In Lebanon, tensions between Hezbollah and Western countries over the issue of weapons and state sovereignty, with ongoing Israeli military activity in southern Lebanon.
In a remarkable development on the ground, the Yemeni army accused the Houthi group of targeting the popular Hadara market in the Al-Wazzaiya district, west of Taiz, with a ballistic missile, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries, according to military spokesman Majid Al-Nuzaili.
This coincided with the expansion of confrontations on the Taiz, Lahj, Al-Jawf and Marib fronts, where government forces were able to achieve progress in a number of areas.
In addition, the report of the United Nations Group of Experts on Yemen revealed that the Houthis continue to rely on external supply networks to develop their military arsenal, including obtaining dual-use commercial components and technologies used in the manufacture of missiles, drones, guidance and air defense systems, warning of the repercussions of this on the security of navigation and international trade.
Officials said yesterday that Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi authorized army commanders to immediately respond to violations that might be committed by factions that updated their targets due to signs of imminent US strikes on Iran.
The officials explained in statements to Asharq Al-Awsat, “The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces directed the imposition of strict control on border cities, and the pace of field follow-up to be increased, including updated assessments around the clock for any unusual movements.”
The measures included “following the border with Iran from the direction of the city of Sulaymaniyah in the north in Iraqi Kurdistan, and Basra in the south, near the borders with Kuwait and Iran, in addition to deploying forces on the border with Syria.”
Yesterday, Hezbollah opened a political battle with the “Friends of Lebanon,” the day after a joint statement issued by the embassies of the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, and Australia, in which it demanded that weapons be restricted to the state, and that there should be no political interference in a judicial process that pursues those involved in a shipment of explosives belonging to the party.
The party’s representative, Ali Ammar, said that the statement “expresses the height of arrogance and insolence, as it blatantly dares to interfere in the most minute details of Lebanese internal affairs, without any regard for Lebanon’s sovereignty, the independence of its judiciary, or diplomatic principles,” accusing the “Friends of Lebanon” of “contributing to fueling divisions and provoking strife.”
Meanwhile, Israel resumed remarkable military activity in southern Lebanon, represented by limited incursions on the outskirts of the “yellow line,” bombings and air strikes in the devastated areas and on its borders, in addition to intense artillery shelling.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Confrontations continue between the Yemeni army and the Houthis on the Taiz, Lahj, Al-Jawf and Marib fronts
Very likely · Within days
Tensions escalated between Hezbollah and the “Friends of Lebanon” countries over the issue of weapons and state sovereignty
Likely · Within weeks
Continued Israeli military activity in southern Lebanon, with the possibility of expanding incursions and raids
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- The exact number of dead and wounded in targeting Hadara Market
- The nature of violations that may be committed by factions in Iraq
- Details of potential US strikes on Iran and their timing
- Hezbollah's reactions to the measures proposed by the "Friends of Lebanon" countries
