Israeli Airstrikes Target Yemen’s Houthi Leadership

On Thursday, Israel conducted airstrikes in Sanaa that resulted in the deaths of Yemen’s Prime Minister Ahmad Ghaleb Al-Rahwi and several Cabinet ministers. This marks a significant strike against the Houthi group’s senior officials, who are aligned with Iran.

Mahdi Al-Mashat, leader of the Houthi Supreme Political Council, confirmed the fatalities, which included the Ministers of Energy, Foreign Affairs, and Information, though it remains unclear if Defense Minister Mohamed Al Atifi was also killed in the attack.

According to Israel, the strikes were aimed at high-ranking Houthi officials, including the Chief of Staff and the Minister of Defense. Israeli security sources indicated that these officials were gathered to view recorded speeches by their leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi.

Israeli forces characterized the operation as “complex,” emphasizing that it was facilitated by thorough intelligence gathering and air superiority.

In a recent update, a deputy minister stepped in to take on Rawi’s responsibilities. Al-Rahwi had been in office for about a year but was seen more as a figurehead within the Houthi leadership.

Since October 2023, the Houthis have engaged in various military actions, including attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and missile launches, while expressing support for Palestinians amid Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza. In retaliation, Israel has struck locations controlled by the Houthis, such as the Hodeidah port.

In response to the strikes, Al-Mashat declared that their “stance will remain intact” until the aggression ceases and the blockade is lifted, adding that the group will seek “revenge.”