According to reports, an Israeli strike on Sanaa has killed the prime minister of Yemen’s Houthi government along with several ministers. The attack, confirmed by Houthi-run media on Saturday, has sparked fresh tensions in the region as Israel expands its military operations beyond Gaza.
Houthi Leadership Hit in Israeli Strike on Sanaa
The Houthi Supreme Political Council, led by Mahdi al-Mashat, announced that Prime Minister Ahmad Ghaleb al-Rahwi and other ministers were killed in Thursday’s Israeli strike on Sanaa. Several others were also wounded, though no further details were given.
Israel said the airstrike had targeted senior Houthi figures including the group’s chief of staff, defence minister, and other high-ranking officials. The Israeli military described the attack as a “complex operation” supported by intelligence-gathering and air superiority.
Confusion Over Houthi Defence Minister’s Fate
The statement from Mahdi al-Mashat did not confirm whether Defence Minister Mohamed al-Atifi was among the casualties. Shortly after the prime minister’s death was confirmed, Houthi-run media carried a statement from al-Atifi declaring the group’s readiness to confront Israel.
It remains unclear whether that statement was made before or after the airstrike. Al-Atifi, who oversees the Houthis’ Missiles Brigade Group, is regarded as one of the movement’s top military experts.
Ahmad Ghaleb al-Rahwi’s Role in Houthi Government
Ahmad Ghaleb al-Rahwi was appointed prime minister nearly a year ago but was largely seen as a symbolic figure. The day-to-day leadership was handled by his deputy, Mohamed Moftah, who has now been assigned to carry out the duties of the late prime minister.
Israeli Strike on Sanaa Linked to Red Sea and Gaza Conflict
Israeli officials said the airstrike targeted a gathering of senior Houthi leaders who had assembled to watch a televised speech by Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the group’s leader.
Since the war in Gaza began in October 2023, the Iran-aligned Houthis have stepped up attacks in the Red Sea, claiming they are acts of solidarity with Palestinians. They have also launched multiple missile strikes toward Israel, most of which were intercepted.
In response, Israel has conducted repeated strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, including the strategic Hodeidah port.
Regional Impact of Israeli Strike on Sanaa
The Israeli strike on Sanaa highlights Tel Aviv’s growing military campaign against groups allied with Iran. Over the past year, Israel has carried out targeted assassinations of senior commanders from Hamas and Hezbollah, moves that weakened both groups.
In his statement, Mahdi al-Mashat reaffirmed the Houthis’ position, saying: “We remain steadfast in our genuine position of supporting and standing with the people of Gaza, and in building and developing the capabilities of our armed forces to confront all challenges and dangers.”
