Cairo: The Iran-backed Houthi rebels announced on Saturday (August 30, 2025) that an Israeli airstrike killed Ahmed al-Rahawi, the Prime Minister of their rebel-controlled government in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa.
According to a Houthi statement, al-Rahawi and several ministers were killed in a strike on Thursday while attending a government workshop reviewing the past year’s performance. Al-Rahawi had served as Prime Minister of the Houthi-led administration since August 2024.
The Israeli military confirmed the strike, saying it had “precisely targeted a Houthi terrorist regime military site in the Sanaa area.”
The Houthis have repeatedly launched missiles and drones toward Israel, claiming their attacks are acts of solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. While most of the projectiles are intercepted or break apart mid-air, the strikes have persisted.
Earlier this week, Israeli air raids on Sanaa killed at least 10 people and injured 102, according to Houthi-run health authorities. Rebel attacks have also targeted ships in the Red Sea, further escalating tensions.
In response, Israel and a U.S.-led coalition have intensified strikes on Houthi-controlled areas, including Sanaa and the strategic port city of Hodeida. In May, Israeli bombardments disabled Sanaa airport.
That same month, the Trump administration announced a deal with the Houthis to halt airstrikes in exchange for an end to attacks on commercial shipping. However, the rebels later clarified the agreement did not prevent them from striking targets they consider aligned with Israel.
