Yemen’s various major political blocs have reached an agreement on the installation of a technocratic interim government with an eye toward ending tensions since the Houthi takeover of the capital city.
The Shi’ite Houthis were an important part of the deal, and their allies are expected to get considerable influence in the new government. The Houthis’ primary ally has been the liberal Union of Popular Forces.
While the deal is good news for that party, it also suffered a major setback today, as unidentified gunmen attacked and killed their party’s leader, Mohamed Abdelmalik al-Motawakal, outside his home in Sanaa.
There hasn’t been a claim of responsibility, but al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and its allies have been keen to attack Houthi allies in recent weeks, and are the likely culprits.