Yemen’s Houthi group has confirmed that its prime minister was killed in an Israeli air strike in the capital, Sanaa.
According to the Houthis, Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi died on Thursday along with several ministers after Israel carried out an air strike on the city. The group said the attack targeted a government workshop where ministers were reviewing the past year’s activities and performance. Al-Rahawi had been serving as prime minister of the Houthi-led administration in areas under their control since August 2024.
Israel Had Earlier Stated It Struck Houthi Base in Yemen
The Israeli military said its forces struck what it described as “a Houthi terrorist regime military target in the area of Sanaa.” Israel has launched many strikes on Houthi positions in recent months. The Houthis have been attacking Israel and Western ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden as part of their campaign in support of Palestinians in Gaza.
Despite the deaths, the Houthis said their government and institutions remain functional. In a statement, the group’s political office declared that the “blood of the martyrs” would only strengthen their will to continue fighting. They also repeated their pledge to support Palestinians in Gaza, expand their armed forces, and resist Israeli actions.
Houthi PM Ahmed al-Rahawi Along With 12 Other Ministers Killed In Israeli Strikes
Israeli media reported on Friday, citing unnamed sources, that the entire Houthi cabinet may have been wiped out in the strike. Reports claimed that al-Rahawi and 12 other ministers were all killed. However, the Houthis have not confirmed the exact number of casualties.
The latest attack came just days after another Israeli strike on Sanaa that killed 10 people and injured over 90, according to Yemeni health officials. That earlier strike, carried out on Sunday, reportedly targeted military facilities, including the presidential palace.
Meanwhile, the Houthis said on Wednesday that they launched a missile at southern Israel. The Israeli army claimed the missile was intercepted before it caused damage.
Yemen is at war since 2014 and largely controlled by Houthis, who are involved in frequent clashes with Yemen’s government and a coalition headed by Saudi Arabia. Houthis are now directly involved in Yemen’s issues, particularly after Israel declared war on Gaza in 2023.
Also Read: 11 Dead in Gaza Strikes as Famine Deaths Soar – Will Israel Ever Agree to Ceasefire?
