Rashad al-Alimi

Force in Play

Leads the internationally recognized government from Aden

Two Houthi ballistic missiles hit the perimeter of Aden's airport on October 28, wounding civilians and stopping flights, after the group told people at the site to leave. Government forces spokesman Majed Abdullah Al-Nazili called it the sixth attack on the airport this month.

Updated Oct 29

Force in Play

Vowed a firm response after the October 19 missile attack on a military camp in Shabwa

Yemen's Saudi-backed government says its forces have retaken ground near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and around Taiz since the 'Dawn of Yemen' campaign began on October 4. The Houthis have answered with missiles and drones aimed at Saudi airports and oil sites, including a strike on Riyadh's main airport on October 10 that killed at least 13 people.

Updated Oct 19

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Leading Yemen's internationally recognized government from Riyadh

Saudi Arabia and the UAE fought a proxy war in Yemen in January 2026 when UAE-backed separatists seized Aden and the oil fields. Saudi-backed forces crushed the rebellion within a week; the STC announced dissolution on January 9 but immediately rejected it.

Updated May 20

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Leading Saudi-backed government, declared 90-day emergency, facing rebellion from half his own council

Saudi Arabia bombed a port on December 30 to destroy weapons the UAE had shipped to the Southern Transitional Council, which had just seized 80% of Yemen's oil reserves. A vessel named Greenland had disabled its tracking system after leaving Fujairah on December 22 and unloaded combat vehicles and weapons at Mukalla on December 28 for the STC.

Updated May 18