Israeli Airstrike Targets Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi in Yemen's Sanaa

An Israeli airstrike in Sanaa has resulted in the death of Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi during a government meeting. This incident highlights the escalating tensions in Yemen amid ongoing conflicts involving Iranian-backed rebels.

An Israeli airstrike has resulted in the death of Ahmed al-Rahawi, the prime minister of the Houthi-controlled government in Yemen's capital, Sanaa. This incident marks the highest-ranking Houthi official killed in the ongoing Israeli-U.S. campaign against the Iranian-backed rebels. The strike occurred on Thursday, targeting a meeting attended by al-Rahawi and several ministers, according to a statement from the Houthis.

The airstrike took place during a routine workshop held by the Houthi government to assess its performance over the past year. The attack coincided with a broadcast by Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the leader of the rebel group, who was discussing developments in Gaza and promising retaliation against Israel. Senior Houthi officials often gather to watch these speeches.

Houthi Leadership Targeted

The Israeli military confirmed that it had "precisely struck a Houthi terrorist regime military target" in Sanaa. They stated that senior officials present at the facility were responsible for "terror actions" against Israel. The strike targeted a villa in Beit Baws, an ancient village in southern Sanaa, where Houthi leaders were meeting, according to tribal leaders who spoke anonymously due to fear of repercussions.

Al-Rahawi was not part of Abdul Malik al-Houthi's inner circle that manages military and strategic affairs. His role focused on overseeing civilian matters in Sanaa and other areas under Houthi control. Despite this, his death is seen as a significant blow to the rebels' leadership structure.

Impact on Rebel Operations

Ahmed Nagi, a senior analyst with Crisis Group International, described al-Rahawi's killing as a "serious setback" for the Houthis. He noted that this shift from targeting infrastructure to leaders poses a greater threat to their command structure. This change indicates an escalation in tactics by Israel against the rebels.

The United States and Israel initiated their air and naval campaign against the Houthis following missile and drone attacks on Israel and ships in the Red Sea. The Houthis claimed these attacks were in solidarity with Palestinians amid the conflict in Gaza. Their actions have disrupted shipping routes through which approximately USD 1 trillion worth of goods pass annually.

Background of Conflict

Al-Rahawi hailed from Abyan province and was an ally of former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh. He joined forces with the Houthis when they seized control of Sanaa and much of northern Yemen in 2014, sparking a prolonged civil war. He became prime minister in August 2024.

In recent years, US and Israeli strikes have resulted in numerous casualties in Yemen. A US strike in April hit a prison holding African migrants in northern Sadaa province, killing at least 68 people and injuring 47 others. These strikes are part of efforts to counteract Houthi missile threats.

In May, an agreement was announced by the Trump administration with the Houthis to cease airstrikes if attacks on shipping were halted. However, the rebels stated that this did not include stopping attacks on targets they perceive as aligned with Israel.

Al-Rahawi had previously expressed support for Palestine following an Israeli strike on facilities owned by Yemen's main oil company and a power plant controlled by rebels in Sanaa. His comments highlighted Yemen's solidarity with Palestinian struggles.

With inputs from PTI