Houthi Prime Minister Ailled Israeli Airstrike: Houthi Leadership Targeted in Sanaa!
Yemen’s Houthi rebel movement has confirmed the death of its self-proclaimed Prime Minister, Ahmed Ghaleb Nasser al-Rahawi, in an Israeli airstrike. The attack took place on Thursday in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa. The Iran-backed group revealed that several other senior officials were also killed in the strike.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described the operation as targeting a Houthi “military target” in Sanaa. No further details were provided by the IDF at the time. The strike has heightened tensions in an already volatile region.
Ahmed Ghaleb Nasser al-Rahawi had served as the Houthi prime minister since August 2024. His role was largely symbolic, with real power held by other Houthi leaders. The movement’s top decision-making circle, responsible for military operations, remained unaffected by the strike.
The Houthis have controlled much of north-western Yemen since 2014. That year, they ousted the internationally recognized government from Sanaa, sparking a brutal civil war. The conflict has caused widespread devastation and a humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
Devastating Losses for Houthi Leadership
According to the Houthis, the airstrike claimed the lives of several key figures alongside Rahawi. The group did not publicly name the other officials killed. However, reports from a Saudi Arabian news outlet suggest the casualties included the Houthi foreign minister and ministers for justice, youth and sports, and social affairs and labor.
The office of Mahdi al-Mashat, the Houthis’ president, confirmed that several other ministers sustained injuries. Some suffered moderate wounds, while others were seriously hurt. The attack has left the Houthi leadership grappling with significant losses.
In response to Rahawi’s death, the Houthis swiftly appointed Muhammad Ahmed Miftah as the new prime minister. Miftah, previously the deputy prime minister, is expected to step into the role immediately. The transition aims to maintain stability within the movement’s governance structure.
Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, the Houthis’ supreme leader, was not harmed in the attack. The group’s defense minister and chief of staff also emerged unscathed. These figures are central to the Houthis’ military strategy and operations.
Escalating Tensions in the Region
The Israeli airstrike comes amid ongoing regional conflicts involving the Houthis. Since the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis have intensified their military actions. They have launched missiles targeting Israel and attacked commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The Houthis claim these attacks are in solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Their actions have disrupted vital shipping routes, drawing international concern. The Red Sea is a critical corridor for global trade, and Houthi attacks have raised fears of economic fallout.
Israel has responded with targeted airstrikes on Houthi-held areas in Yemen. The IDF’s stated goal is to weaken the Houthis’ ability to carry out attacks. Thursday’s strike in Sanaa is part of this broader strategy to curb Houthi aggression.
The IDF has not yet issued a public statement on the latest developments. This silence leaves room for speculation about the full scope of the operation. The strike’s precision suggests Israel may have relied on detailed intelligence to target Houthi leadership.
Yemen’s Ongoing Civil War
The Houthis’ rise to power in 2014 marked a turning point in Yemen’s civil war. After seizing Sanaa, they expanded their control over large parts of the country. The conflict has pitted the Houthis against a Saudi-led coalition backing the internationally recognized government.
The war has caused immense suffering, with millions facing hunger and displacement. Yemen remains one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The recent airstrike risks further destabilizing an already fragile situation.
The Houthis’ alignment with Iran has drawn them into broader regional rivalries. Iran’s support, including weapons and funding, has bolstered the Houthis’ military capabilities. This has made them a significant player in the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape.
Israel’s actions in Yemen reflect its broader concerns about Iran’s influence. The Houthis’ attacks on Israel and international shipping have prompted a strong response. The Sanaa strike underscores Israel’s willingness to act decisively against perceived threats.
What Lies Ahead for the Houthis?
The loss of Rahawi and other senior officials is a blow to the Houthi movement. However, the group’s core leadership remains intact, suggesting continuity in its military operations. Abdul-Malik al-Houthi’s survival ensures the movement’s ideological direction remains unchanged.
The appointment of Muhammad Ahmed Miftah as prime minister signals the Houthis’ intent to maintain governance. Yet, the group faces challenges in rebuilding its leadership amid ongoing conflict. The injuries sustained by other ministers could further strain their operations.
The international community is closely watching the situation. The Houthis’ attacks on shipping routes have already prompted responses from global powers. The U.S. and U.K. have conducted strikes on Houthi targets in the past to protect maritime security.
Thursday’s airstrike may escalate tensions between Israel and the Houthis. It could also deepen Iran’s involvement in the conflict. The region remains on edge as the fallout from the strike unfolds.
The Houthis are likely to retaliate, given their history of missile and drone attacks. Israel, in turn, may continue its campaign against Houthi targets. The cycle of violence shows no immediate signs of slowing down.
For now, Yemen’s people bear the brunt of the conflict. The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, with little hope for a quick resolution. The international community faces growing pressure to address the crisis and prevent further escalation.
The Sanaa airstrike is a stark reminder of the complexities of Yemen’s war. It highlights the intersection of local, regional, and international interests. As the situation evolves, the world awaits clarity on the full impact of this deadly strike.
