Israeli Airstrike Kills Houthi Prime Minister in Major Blow to Iranian-Backed Regime

In a bold and far-reaching strike, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the elimination of Ahmed al-Rahawi, the Houthi prime minister in Yemen, along with several Cabinet members, in an airstrike on the capital city of Sanaa on August 28. The Iranian-backed Houthi terror group later confirmed the loss.

According to a formal Houthi statement, al-Rahawi and his colleagues were targeted during a routine government workshop to evaluate their performance over the past year. The statement was broadcast on Houthi-run television and reported by international outlets including CNN and The New York Times.

The IDF stated the strike “targeted a facility that hosted dozens of senior officials of the Houthi terrorist regime,” describing them as key figures behind the group’s military buildup and ongoing attacks against Israel. The operation, conducted more than 2,000 kilometers from Israeli territory, was made possible through rapid intelligence gathering and swift execution, according to Israeli military sources.

“This marked the most significant Israeli action against the Houthi regime to date,” the IDF noted. The strike came shortly after the Houthis launched a missile with new cluster sub-munitions at Israel a clear escalation in their campaign since joining the war in solidarity with Hamas after the October 7 massacre.

Ahmed al-Rahawi had served as prime minister of the Houthi-controlled region of Yemen since August 2024. His death represents the highest-ranking loss for the group in the ongoing conflict.

The airstrikes, which reportedly killed at least 10 people and wounded more than 100 others, were part of Israel’s broader campaign to dismantle threats on multiple fronts. “The IDF is operating decisively against the Houthi terrorist regime, while simultaneously intensifying strikes against Hamas in Gaza,” the military said.

Defense Minister Israel Katz responded firmly: “As we warned the Houthis in Yemen: After the plague of darkness comes the plague of the firstborn. Whoever raises a hand against Israel his hand will be cut off.”

While leadership in the Houthi movement remains centered around religious figure Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the loss of al-Rahawi is expected to severely disrupt its governance and military planning. The Houthis have repeatedly targeted Israel and its allies in recent months, acting as an extension of Iran’s destabilizing regional agenda.

In response to the strike, Israeli cabinet meetings were scheduled to be held in a classified location, underscoring the gravity of the moment.

This powerful show of force demonstrates Israel’s unwavering commitment to defending its citizens and neutralizing threats no matter how far the enemy may be. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for more frontline updates from Israel’s battle for security and sovereignty.