Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmad Ghaleb al-Rahawi has been killed by Israel. (Photo: via Saba News Agency)
The cabinet room in Sanaa was quiet until the roar of jets shattered the air. Within seconds, Yemen lost its prime minister.
Yemen’s Houthi-led government has confirmed the death of Prime Minister Ahmad Ghaleb al-Rahawi and several senior ministers following an Israeli airstrike on the capital, Sanaa. The attack, which targeted a routine cabinet session, marks one of the most significant escalations in the region since the outbreak of the Gaza war in late 2023.
In an official statement, the Yemeni presidency mourned the loss of al-Rahawi, head of the Government of Change and Building, describing him and his colleagues as “martyrs of the nation” who represented the full spectrum of the Yemeni people.
The presidency emphasized that the strike occurred during a scheduled review of government performance, and that several other ministers sustained critical injuries.
The Israeli military confirmed the operation, stating it had targeted high-ranking Houthi officials responsible for military coordination and attacks against Israel.
The strike was described as a “complex intelligence-driven operation” aimed at neutralizing leadership figures within the Iran-backed Houthi movement.
Al-Rahawi, appointed in August 2024, was seen as a symbolic figurehead within the Houthi administration. His death, however, is being framed by the Yemeni leadership as a rallying point for continued resistance.
“The blood of these martyrs will be fuel and motivation to continue on this path,” the presidency declared, reaffirming its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and its commitment to strengthening Yemen’s armed forces.
Deputy Prime Minister Mohammed Ahmed Miftah has been named interim leader, tasked with ensuring the continuity of government services amid the crisis.
The strike comes amid heightened regional tensions, with the Houthis intensifying their missile and drone attacks on Israeli targets and shipping routes in the Red Sea.
Israel has responded with a series of airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas, including ports, military compounds, and now, political leadership hubs.
International observers warn that the assassination of al-Rahawi could further destabilize Yemen’s fragile political landscape and deepen the regional conflict.
Meanwhile, the Yemeni presidency insists that its institutions will remain resilient, vowing to “carry out their duties with God’s help” and to “never be deterred, no matter the scale of the tragedy”.
As Yemen buries its leaders, the question remains: how many more must fall before the region finds justice? (ZIA LUNA)
