Sana'a: Yemen's Houthis have confirmed that the Iran-allied militia's prime minister, Ahmed al-Rahawi, and several other officials were killed in an Israeli airstrike earlier this week in the rebel-controlled capital, Sana'a. The attack reportedly took place on Thursday during a government meeting, leaving multiple attendees with serious and moderate injuries.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Houthi-controlled news agency Saba reported that al-Rahawi and a number of ministers died as a result of the Israeli strike. In light of the incident, the head of the Houthis' Supreme Political Council has appointed Mohammed Ahmed Maftah, previously the first deputy to the prime minister, as the acting prime minister. Despite the leadership disruption, government institutions have been instructed to continue their services.
Al-Rahawi, who was named prime minister by the Houthis in August of the previous year, led a government not recognized internationally. He was largely seen as a figurehead with limited real power. The Israeli military confirmed it targeted a Houthi military installation in Sana'a as part of its ongoing military operations.
Since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, the Houthis have consistently launched missile and drone attacks against Israel in solidarity with the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement. In retaliation, Israel has conducted strikes on Houthi-controlled regions in Yemen.
