The prime minister of Yemen’s Houthi government, Ahmad Ghaleb al-Rahwi, along with several ministers, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Sanaa, according to the Houthi-run news agency citing Mahdi al-Mashat, head of the Houthi Supreme Political Council. Several others were reportedly wounded, though details were not provided.
Israel stated the strike targeted the Iran-aligned group’s chief of staff, defence minister, and senior officials, and is currently verifying the results. It remains unclear whether the Houthi defence minister, Mohamed al-Atifi, was among the casualties. Al-Atifi, who leads the Missiles Brigade Group, is regarded as the group’s top missile expert.
Following Rahwi’s death, his deputy Mohamed Moftah was assigned to assume the prime minister’s duties. Rahwi, who became prime minister nearly a year ago, was largely seen as a figurehead outside the Houthi inner circle.
The Israeli military described the strike as a “complex operation,” carried out with intelligence support and air superiority, targeting a compound in Sanaa where senior Houthi officials had gathered to watch a speech by leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi.
Since Israel’s Gaza war against Hamas began in October 2023, the Houthis have launched attacks on Red Sea vessels and fired missiles toward Israel in support of Palestinians, most of which were intercepted. Israel has retaliated with strikes on Houthi-controlled areas, including the Hodeidah port.
Israel’s recent operations have included targeted assassinations of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, significantly weakening the groups. Mashat reiterated the Houthis’ commitment to supporting Gaza and strengthening their armed forces to face ongoing challenges.
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