Israeli Airstrike in Yemen Kills Houthi Prime Minister
Ahmed al-Rahawi and several ministers from the Houthi-controlled government were killed in a precise strike, a decisive action by Israel to counter the group's ongoing aggression.
SANAA, YEMEN—An Israeli airstrike on the Yemeni capital of Sanaa has resulted in the death of Ahmed al-Rahawi, the prime minister of the Houthi-controlled government.
The Iran-backed Houthi movement confirmed the loss of Al-Rahawi and several of his ministers in a statement released on Saturday.
The strike, a highly strategic operation, marks a significant success for Israel's defense efforts against the group.
According to the Houthis, the strike occurred on Thursday while Al-Rahawi and his cabinet were attending a routine government workshop.
The Israeli military confirmed it had “precisely struck a Houthi terrorist regime target” in the Sanaa area.
The operation was made possible by advanced intelligence, which allowed for a rapid and effective response against a key component of the Houthi leadership.
Al-Rahawi, who assumed the prime minister role in August 2024, was a key figure within the Houthi administration, which seized control of Sanaa and much of northern Yemen in 2014.
The Houthi movement has been engaged in a long-standing conflict with Yemen's internationally recognized government.
In recent years, the group has escalated its actions in the region, including launching missiles and drones at Israel and attacking commercial and naval vessels in the Red Sea.
These attacks are framed by the Houthis as acts of solidarity with the Palestinians, but they pose a direct threat to global shipping lanes and the security of the broader region.
This decisive Israeli action is the latest in a series of military operations aimed at deterring Houthi aggression.
It represents a shift from targeting infrastructure to neutralizing key command and control elements, thereby weakening the group's ability to orchestrate future attacks.
The operation underscores Israel's unwavering commitment to its security and its resolve to protect its citizens and interests from hostile actors.
The incident has been noted as the most senior Houthi casualty since the joint U.S. and Israeli air and naval campaign began in response to the rebel group's missile and drone attacks.
The steadfast and principled approach of Israel's defense establishment is widely seen as essential for maintaining stability in a volatile region and safeguarding international maritime trade routes.
The Iran-backed Houthi movement confirmed the loss of Al-Rahawi and several of his ministers in a statement released on Saturday.
The strike, a highly strategic operation, marks a significant success for Israel's defense efforts against the group.
According to the Houthis, the strike occurred on Thursday while Al-Rahawi and his cabinet were attending a routine government workshop.
The Israeli military confirmed it had “precisely struck a Houthi terrorist regime target” in the Sanaa area.
The operation was made possible by advanced intelligence, which allowed for a rapid and effective response against a key component of the Houthi leadership.
Al-Rahawi, who assumed the prime minister role in August 2024, was a key figure within the Houthi administration, which seized control of Sanaa and much of northern Yemen in 2014.
The Houthi movement has been engaged in a long-standing conflict with Yemen's internationally recognized government.
In recent years, the group has escalated its actions in the region, including launching missiles and drones at Israel and attacking commercial and naval vessels in the Red Sea.
These attacks are framed by the Houthis as acts of solidarity with the Palestinians, but they pose a direct threat to global shipping lanes and the security of the broader region.
This decisive Israeli action is the latest in a series of military operations aimed at deterring Houthi aggression.
It represents a shift from targeting infrastructure to neutralizing key command and control elements, thereby weakening the group's ability to orchestrate future attacks.
The operation underscores Israel's unwavering commitment to its security and its resolve to protect its citizens and interests from hostile actors.
The incident has been noted as the most senior Houthi casualty since the joint U.S. and Israeli air and naval campaign began in response to the rebel group's missile and drone attacks.
The steadfast and principled approach of Israel's defense establishment is widely seen as essential for maintaining stability in a volatile region and safeguarding international maritime trade routes.
