An Israeli airstrike has killed Ahmed al-Rahawi, the prime minister of Yemen’s Houthi-controlled government, in the capital, Sanaa. The attack, which occurred on Thursday, also claimed the lives of several Houthi ministers and wounded others during a routine government workshop, according to a Houthi statement. The strike targeted a villa in the ancient village of Beit Baws, where senior officials were gathered, sources told The Associated Press.
The Israeli military confirmed the strike, stating it targeted a Houthi "military facility" and killed al-Rahawi along with other senior officials responsible for "terror actions" against Israel. The attack coincided with a broadcasted speech by Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi, who vowed retaliation amid ongoing tensions over Gaza.
Al-Rahawi, a native of Abyan province and former ally of ex-Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, had been prime minister since August 2024. His role focused on civilian governance in Houthi-controlled areas, separate from the group’s military leadership. The strike marks a bold shift in Israel’s strategy, moving from targeting Houthi infrastructure to eliminating key leaders, according to Yemen analyst Ahmed Nagi of Crisis Group International.
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The U.S. and Israel launched their campaign against the Houthis in response to the group’s missile and drone attacks on Israel and Red Sea shipping, which the rebels claim support Palestinians in Gaza. These attacks have disrupted global trade, affecting roughly $1 trillion in annual Red Sea commerce. Previous strikes, including a U.S. attack in April that killed 68 people in a migrant prison, have intensified the conflict.
Despite a May deal under the Trump administration to halt airstrikes in exchange for stopping Houthi attacks on shipping, the rebels clarified that attacks on Israeli-linked targets would continue. This latest strike signals a dangerous new phase in the region’s volatile conflict.
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