Houthi Prime Minister Killed in Israeli Airstrike Amid Regional Tensions
Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi and ministers were killed in Israeli airstrikes on a Sanaa military site. This retaliatory attack followed Houthi actions against Israel and Red Sea shipping.
Subscribe to unlock this story
We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $5/month, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!
Get StartedHave an account? Sign in
Overview
- Israeli airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen, killed Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi and several ministers at a Houthi military site during a routine workshop.
- The attack caused at least 10 deaths and 102 injuries, confirming Al-Rahawi, prime minister since 2024, as the most senior Houthi official killed.
- This incident followed Houthi rebels launching missiles towards Israel and targeting Red Sea ships, expressing solidarity with Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict.
- Houthi actions, including drone launches, prompted a response from Israel and a U.S.-led coalition, leading to the retaliatory airstrikes in Sanaa.
- Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ahmed Miftah has since assumed the role of Prime Minister, as mourning and anti-Israel chants were observed in Yemen.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Center-leaning sources consistently frame the Houthis as an "Iranian-backed rebel group" or "militant group," even when reporting their statements. This editorial choice establishes a specific context for their actions and the Israeli response. They emphasize the Houthis' disruptive attacks on shipping and Israel, while presenting Israeli military actions as responses to a "terrorist regime."
"The Houthis’ fresh attacks come as a new, possible ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war remains in the balance."
ABC News"Hundreds of Yemenis in the capital city of Sanaa mourned Monday morning the loss of Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi, who was killed Thursday along with a number of ministers and government officials by an Israeli airstrike."
Associated Press"This is also a message to him that they can get him as well to trying to deter those attacks against Israel."
Bloomberg"The prime minister of Yemen's Houthi government and several other ministers were killed in an Israeli strike on the capital Sanaa, the news agency run by the group said on Saturday."
USA TODAY"The Houthis confirmed that their self-proclaimed Prime Minister Ahmed Ghaleb Nasser al-Rahawi was killed in an Israeli air strike earlier this week."
BBC News"The Iranian-backed Houthis said Saturday an Israeli airstrike killed the prime minister of the rebel-controlled government in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa."
CBS News"An Israeli airstrike killed the prime minister of Yemen’s rebel-controlled government, the Iran-backed Houthi militant group said Saturday."
NBC News"The Iranian-backed Houthis said Saturday an Israeli airstrike killed the prime minister of the rebel-controlled government in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa."
NPR"The killing of the Houthi prime minister marks a significant escalation in the conflict, posing a greater threat to the rebels' command structure."
Associated PressArticles (15)
Center (9)
FAQ
Ahmed al-Rahawi was the Prime Minister of the Houthi-led government in Yemen from August 2024 until his death in August 2025. He was a key political figure balancing tribal allegiances with the Houthi Iran-aligned ideology, and he led the Government of Change and Construction under the Supreme Political Council.
Israeli fighter jets carried out airstrikes on a military site in Sanaa, targeting senior Houthi leaders including Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi on 28 August 2025. The strike was a response to Houthi missile and drone attacks on Israel and Red Sea shipping. At least 10 people were killed and 102 injured, and the strike dealt a significant blow to Houthi leadership, further destabilizing Yemen’s fragile political situation.
Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ahmed Miftah was appointed as the new Prime Minister following the death of Ahmed al-Rahawi. Miftah is a prominent religious and political figure within the Houthis and one of their founding hardline leaders, previously serving as a judge and holding influential roles supporting the Houthi movement.
The Israeli airstrikes were launched in retaliation for Houthi missile launches targeting Israel and attacks against Red Sea shipping. The Houthis expressed solidarity with Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict and engaged in drone launches and military operations considered hostile by Israel, leading to the U.S.-led coalition supported retaliatory strikes.
The killing of Ahmed al-Rahawi, the most senior Houthi official killed to date, is expected to intensify the proxy conflict involving Israel, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. It has further destabilized Yemen’s already fragile political balance and led to mourning and anti-Israel protests within Yemen, with the Houthis consolidating leadership under Muhammad Ahmed Miftah.
History
- 17d
3 articles - 17d
9 articles