A high-ranking official within Yemen’s Houthi administration was killed in an airstrike that targeted a leadership meeting in Sana’a. Ahmed al-Rahawi, who served as prime minister in the rebel-controlled government, died alongside several ministers during the Thursday attack.
The strike occurred while senior officials had gathered to watch a prerecorded address by the group’s leader. According to statements from the Houthi movement, the meeting was part of a routine government workshop to assess annual performance.
Mahdi al-Mashat, head of the group’s supreme political council, vowed retaliation for the attack, warning foreign companies to leave the region “before it’s too late.” He promised accountability to the Yemeni people and families of those killed and wounded.
Military officials confirmed the operation targeted multiple senior Houthi figures, including the group’s chief of staff and defense minister. The strike reportedly hit a villa in Beit Baws, an ancient village in southern Sana’a, where leadership meetings typically take place.
Al-Rahawi, who hailed from Abyan province, had aligned with the Houthis when they seized control of Sana’a and northern Yemen in 2014, sparking the country’s ongoing civil conflict. He assumed the prime minister position in August 2024.
This incident represents the most significant loss for the Houthi leadership since international military operations began in response to the group’s attacks on maritime shipping and regional targets. The Houthis have repeatedly stated their campaign aims to show solidarity with Palestinians.
The attack marks an escalation in targeting strategy, shifting from infrastructure strikes to direct attacks on command structures. Analysts describe this development as a serious setback for the rebel group’s operational capabilities.
Maritime security in the Red Sea has been severely disrupted by ongoing hostilities, affecting vital shipping lanes that handle approximately $1 trillion in annual trade. The situation continues to evolve as regional tensions persist.
