LONDON - The Middle East remains on edge, with Israel’s assassinations of key figures in the ‘axis of resistance’ sharply escalating tensions, and resulting in the ‘first phase’ of attacks between Hezbollah and Israel over the late August weekend, according to ACLED (Armed Conflict Location & Event Data).

In the past 10 months, Israeli operations have killed 39 senior members of Hamas, Hezbollah, and the IRGC across Lebanon, Syria, and Iran. Recent high-profile strikes in Tehran and Beirut highlight the growing risk of a broader regional conflict.

In Yemen, the Houthis have advanced their drone warfare capabilities, executing a strike on Tel Aviv that resulted in Israeli casualties for the first time, and attacking an oil tanker in the Red Sea. Houthis continue to challenge regional powers, though their long-term strategy will require continuous innovation to withstand escalating countermeasures.

In a shocking first for Oman, the IS carried out an attack in the country on 15 July, storming a Shiite mosque in Muscat. This unprecedented incident — ACLED’s first recorded battle event in Oman — raises concerns about IS's expanding reach into new regions.