U.S. Airstrikes Eliminate Key Houthi Leaders and 'Fater-1' Air Defense Expert in Yemen

In a significant escalation of its military campaign in Yemen, the United States conducted four precision airstrikes on Monday evening targeting the "Braash" military camp located on the eastern outskirts of Jabal Nuqm, east of the Yemeni capital, Sana'a. The strikes resulted in the deaths of nine Houthi militants, including prominent field commanders and a specialist in the "Fater-1" air defense system.

According to Yemeni journalist Faris Al-Himyari, citing a confidential source, the deceased include Captain Ahmed Asim Abu Al-Ezz, the air defense site commander at the camp; senior officer Abu Zaid Al-Muayyad; and military expert Abdullah Al-Dhari, who was responsible for operating and developing the "Fater-1" missile system.

The "Fater-1" system, introduced by the Houthis in 2017, is a modified version of the Soviet-era "SAM-6" surface-to-air missile, adapted to serve as a medium-range defense mechanism. It boasts a maximum range of 24 kilometers and can target aircraft at altitudes up to 14 kilometers, equipped with a 60-kilogram warhead. The system has been deployed in various regions to counteract both manned and unmanned aerial threats.

This operation marks one of the most precise and impactful actions since the commencement of the U.S. air campaign in Yemen, which began in mid-March. The campaign aims to dismantle Houthi military capabilities that threaten international maritime navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

As of now, the Houthi movement has not officially acknowledged the loss of