Israeli Airstrike Results in Death of Houthi Rebel Leader, Reports Group

According to the Houthi rebels, an Israeli aerial attack has claimed the life of the prime minister from their self-governed administration in Sanaa, Yemen's capital.

Ahmed al-Rahawi, who held the position of prime minister in the Houthi-led administration since August 2024, met his demise alongside several ministers during an Israeli operation last Thursday, as per the faction's official reports.

On that day, Israel's military confirmed a pinpoint strike on what they identified as a Houthi military objective located in the vicinity of Sanaa.

The assault coincided with a routine governmental gathering where al-Rahawi and other senior officials assessed their annual performance and operations, according to the Houthi statement.

In a broader context, the Houthis have consistently launched ballistic missiles directed at Israel amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The group claims these acts are expressions of solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Despite Israel's interception of many of these projectiles or their disintegration in flight, the onslaught persists.

Escalating Attacks and Responses

Reportedly earlier in the week, Israeli attacks on various locales throughout Sanaa resulted in at least ten fatalities and 102 injuries, per the Houthi-controlled health authority and local governmental sources.

The escalation has seen the Houthis retaliate with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel and shipping activities in the Red Sea, all under the pretext of supporting Palestinians amid Israel's battle with Hamas.

In retaliation, Israel, along with a U.S.-backed coalition, has intensified bombardments on Houthi-dominated regions of Yemen, notably in Sanaa and the significant port city of Hodeida. This includes an Israeli offensive that incapacitated the Sanaa airport in May.

The United States under Trump's administration had previously brokered an accord with the Houthis, aiming to cease air raids in exchange for halting attacks on maritime operations. However, the Houthis announced that their agreement does not preclude actions against entities aligned with Israeli interests.