Houthi Rebels Claim Israeli Air Assault Eliminated Their Prime Minister in Yemen's Capital

Houthi demonstrators frequently voice opposition to Israel during their weekly gatherings in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen.

Based in Cairo, it's reported that the Houthis, with backing from Iran, alleged on Saturday that an Israeli military airstrike resulted in the death of their administration's head in Sanaa, Yemen.

According to a statement from the rebels, Ahmed al-Rahawi met his end during an aerial attack on Thursday, which also claimed the lives of several other ministers.

On Thursday, the Israeli defense forces confirmed they executed a precise operation targeting a military installation controlled by the Houthi regime in Yemen's capital region.

Al-Rahawi, who had been serving as the prime minister under the Houthi regime since August 2024, was reportedly in attendance at a regular meeting meant to review governmental operations and progress over the prior twelve months when he was struck.

During the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis have consistently launched projectiles towards Israel, stating that these actions are a gesture of support for the Palestinian cause. Most of these projectiles are intercepted or disintegrate mid-flight, yet the attacks persist.

Earlier this week, several locations within Sanaa were hit by Israeli airstrikes, resulting in at least ten fatalities and 102 injuries, according to reports from the health ministry operated by the Houthis and local officials.

Throughout the conflict with Hamas, Houthi forces have targeted Israel by launching both missiles and drones and have attacked maritime vessels in the Red Sea, all in support of the Palestinian effort.

Reacting to Houthi offensives, Israeli forces, supported by a U.S.-led coalition, have counterattacked regions controlled by the rebels in Yemen, including Sanaa and the crucial port city of Hodeida, militarily disabling Sanaa's airport earlier in the year.

In May, under Trump's administration, a negotiation was revealed involving a cessation of the air raids by the Houthis in exchange for halting maritime attacks. However, the Houthis clarified that this did not apply to assaults against what they deem Israeli ally targets.