Houthi Rebel Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi Killed In Israeli Airstrike On Sanaa

The Houthis announced on Saturday that an Israeli airstrike in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, killed Ahmed al-Rahawi, the prime minister of the rebel-controlled government. According to the group's statement, the strike took place on Thursday and also killed several ministers.

According to AP the Israeli military confirmed the operation, stating on Thursday that it had "precisely struck a Houthi terrorist regime military target in the area of Sanaa in Yemen."

Al-Rahawi, who had been serving as prime minister of the Houthi-led administration since August 2024, was attending a government workshop meant to evaluate its performance over the past year when the strike occurred.

The Houthis, backed by Iran, have consistently launched missiles and drones against Israel since the start of Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza. They claim the attacks are carried out in solidarity with the Palestinians. While Israel intercepts most of these projectiles or they fragment mid-air, the Houthi campaign has continued.

Earlier this week, Israeli strikes targeted several sites across Sanaa, killing at least 10 people and injuring 102 others, according to the Houthi-run health ministry and local officials. Israeli forces have also hit rebel-controlled areas including the strategic port city of Hodeida. In May, an Israeli strike rendered Sanaa airport inoperable.

The Houthis have also attacked ships in the Red Sea, further escalating tensions. In response, Israel, along with a U.S.-led coalition, has intensified airstrikes on Houthi-controlled regions.

In May, the Trump administration announced a deal with the Houthis aimed at halting airstrikes in exchange for an end to attacks on international shipping. The Houthis, however, clarified that the agreement did not prevent them from striking targets they view as aligned with Israel.