Yemen’s Houthi movement has confirmed that its prime minister, Ahmed al-Rahawi, was killed in an Israeli air strike on the capital, Sanaa Saturday alongside several other government ministers.
The Houthis announced the deaths on Saturday, describing the strike as a deliberate attack on the leadership of their government.
Al-Rahawi, who headed the Houthi-led administration in areas under their control, was targeted during a workshop along with senior cabinet members.
Houthis vow retaliation against Israel
Mahdi al-Mashat, chairman of the Houthi Supreme Political Council, released a video message vowing revenge against Israel.
“We shall take vengeance, and we shall forge from the depths of wounds a victory,” he declared.
The Houthi leadership emphasized that the government’s work would continue despite the deadly attack, framing the deaths as motivation to strengthen military capabilities.
Israel expands strikes on houthi leadership
The Israeli military confirmed it carried out strikes on Houthi targets in Sanaa, including military sites and the presidential palace, calling it a response to recent missile attacks launched by the group.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz had earlier signaled a shift in strategy, saying Israel intended to directly target Houthi leadership — similar to its approach with groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Islamic Jihad.
Regional tensions escalate
The air strike came just days after the Houthis claimed responsibility for a missile attack on southern Israel, which was intercepted by Israeli defenses. The group has also continued attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which they say are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Tensions in the region remain high, with analysts warning that targeted assassinations of Houthi leaders could further escalate conflict and expand Israel’s military engagement in Yemen.
Recap
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Houthi PM Ahmed al-Rahawi killed in Israeli strike on Sanaa
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Several other ministers also confirmed dead
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Houthis vow revenge and pledge to continue attacks
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Israel says it is targeting Houthi leadership after repeated assaults
The full impact of Thursday’s air raid remains unclear, with reports suggesting multiple casualties among Houthi ministers. The strike marks one of Israel’s most significant escalations against the Yemeni group in recent months.
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