Sanaa/ Yemen: On Thursday, August 28, 2025, Houthi prime minister was killed Ahmed al‑Rahawi in Sanaa by Israeli strike, along with several ministers. His death marks the highest-level loss for the Iran-aligned group in the current campaign.
The Houthis confirmed the attack via their Saba News Agency. The strike occurred during a routine governmental workshop held at a villa in the Bayt Baws area of southern Sanaa—a session meant to review the past year’s work.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement acknowledging the strike, calling it a “precision attack” on a Houthi “terrorist regime” leadership gathering. Israeli officials described it as a deliberate move to dismantle top-tier leadership structures, signifying a shift from targeting infrastructure to hitting senior individuals.
The Houthis have controlled much of northwestern Yemen since 2014 after forcing out the internationally recognised government and starting a civil war. They are backed by Iran and have conducted repeated strikes on shipping in the Red Sea and Israel.
"The criminal, treacherous Israeli enemy targeted them during a routine workshop held by the government to evaluate its activities and performance over the past year," Houthi president Mahdi al Mashat said in a statement reported by the Yemen News Agency.
Mashat also claimed Israel should expect "dark days" ahead.
The strike took place as a Houthi-owned TV station was broadcasting a speech from the group's secretive leader Abdul Malik al Houthi, sharing updates on the latest developments in Gaza and vowing retaliation.
Rahawi was not a part of the inner circle around Houthi that runs the military and strategic affairs of the armed group.
His government, like the previous one, was tasked with running the day-to-day civilian affairs in Sanaa and other Houthi-held areas.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said on Friday it had "carried out a significant strike against strategic targets of the Houthi terror regime in Yemen".
