Active Conflicts & News Megathread September 01, 2025

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[u/eric2332]

I believe I read that in Israel's assessment, a large number of military leaders were also present during the bombing, however their names/fate has not been announced (perhaps the Houthis wanted to project an image of strength and/or give the impression that Israel was bad for attacking a mostly civilian target).

I don't expect the killing of military leaders to make much practical difference though, as nobody is going to invade their territory and depose them, and launching the occasional prepositioned missile at Israel or a ship does not require much organizational capacity. Maybe the prospect of personal death will lead their leaders to accept a ceasefire while not calling it that, but this too is highly questionable as historically this has not really deterred jihadist leaders.

[u/Neronoah → u/eric2332]

It raises the costs of shooting missiles to Israel. They are a minor threat while the Houthies would lose their leaders from time to time.

[u/eric2332 → u/Neronoah]

Yes, but those missiles have gains too. My impression is they are pretty popular with the Houthi-controlled population.

[u/Neronoah → u/eric2332]

But is that popularity worth being blown up? Unlike Hezbollah and Hamas, it's probably not too late to quit while they are ahead.