Barran Press
The recent Israeli airstrike that killed Hezbollah commander Bassel Shukr has brought renewed attention to his activities in Yemen. A previously unseen photograph, published by Yemeni journalist Adnan Al-Jabarni, depicts Shukr in Yemen, commanding Houthi fighters. The image, reportedly taken in 2018, shows Shukr in civilian clothing and a Yemeni-style hat, alongside a Houthi field commander identified as Nashwan Jahiz, who was killed in Marib in 2021.
Al-Jabarni, a military affairs researcher, stated that Shukr was among the first Lebanese trainers smuggled into Yemen to instruct Houthi forces in Saada. A Yemeni security source confirmed Shukr's presence in Yemen on two separate occasions. While the Houthis haven't officially commented on Shukr's death, social media posts from Houthi sympathizers expressed condolences. Hezbollah's tributes highlighted Shukr's involvement in conflicts in Syria, Iraq, and southern Lebanon.
Shukr's involvement underscores Hezbollah's significant role in training and supporting the Houthis, particularly during their intense 2021-2022 offensive on Marib. This support, including military expertise, financial aid, and media assistance, aligns with Iran's broader strategy of establishing proxies in the Arab world. Previous leaked recordings have shown Hezbollah commanders conducting training and mobilization exercises for Houthi fighters in Sanaa.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has consistently expressed interest in the Houthi war, particularly the battle for Marib, predicting significant regional consequences. Marib Governor Sultan Al-Arada confirmed in an April 2024 interview that Hezbollah was sending fighters to support the Houthis, characterizing it as part of Iran's proxy creation project. Shukr, a prominent Hezbollah member and a key figure in the "Quds Force," was the third high-ranking Hezbollah commander killed by Israel in recent months. His death highlights the ongoing complex dynamics of the Yemeni conflict and the significant influence of external actors.