Yemen Rebel PM Killed in Israeli Airstrike

Israel Kills Houthi Rebel Prime Minister in Yemen Strike

Israel has confirmed killing the Houthi rebel prime minister Ahmed al Rahawi in a strike on the Yemeni capital Sanaa, as reported by the Iranian-backed militant group. The attack also targeted other ministers, the Houthis stated.

The Houthis have controlled a significant part of northwestern Yemen since 2014, following the ousting of the internationally recognized government, leading to a civil war. Supported by Iran, the group has been involved in attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Israel.

Houthi president Mahdi al Mashat condemned Israel for targeting the government officials during a workshop in Sanaa. He warned of "dark days" ahead for Israel.

The strike occurred while a Houthi-owned TV station was airing a speech by the group's leader Abdul Malik al Houthi, discussing updates on Gaza and threatening retaliation.

Rahawi, not directly involved in the Houthi military and strategic affairs, oversaw civilian matters in Sanaa and other Houthi-held regions. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed conducting a significant strike against Houthi targets in Yemen.

The attack followed the Houthi's launch of a ballistic missile towards Israel. Rahawi, an ally of former Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh, became prime minister last year after the Houthis seized Sanaa in 2014. He is the highest-ranking Houthi official killed since the US and Israel responded to Houthi attacks on Israel and Red Sea ships.