By DAYO ADESULU
Yemen Huthi Prime Minister Ahmed Ghaleb Nasser Al-Rahawi was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Sanaa, marking the highest-profile Huthi loss since the Gaza war began.
Yemen Huthi Prime Minister Killed in Israeli Airstrike
The Yemen Huthi Prime Minister, Ahmed Ghaleb Nasser Al-Rahawi, has been confirmed dead following an Israeli airstrike on Sanaa, the capital city under Huthi control. The attack, carried out on Thursday but announced Saturday by the Huthis, also claimed the lives of several officials and left others seriously wounded.
Al-Rahawi, appointed in 2023, is the most senior Huthi figure to die in Israeli strikes since the Gaza war ignited regional hostilities. His killing represents a significant escalation in the conflict, raising fears of more violence in Yemen, the Red Sea, and beyond.
Huthis Confirm Death of Their Prime Minister
In an official statement, the Huthi movement declared:
“We announce the martyrdom of the fighter Ahmed Ghaleb Nasser Al-Rahawi, along with several of his ministerial colleagues, as they were targeted by the treacherous Israeli criminal enemy.”
The rebels also confirmed that multiple companions suffered moderate to severe injuries. They remain under medical care since the attack struck on Thursday afternoon.
The announcement sparked an outpouring of condemnation from Huthi supporters while signaling that the group could retaliate in the coming days.
Israeli Military Confirms the Strike
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged responsibility for the airstrike, stating it had targeted a “Huthi terrorist regime military facility” in Sanaa. According to Israel, the strike was part of its broader security strategy to counter Iran-backed factions launching drones and missiles toward Israeli territory.
The IDF emphasized that the Huthis were directly involved in attacks against Israel and in disrupting global trade through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The military reiterated its stance: any group threatening Israel would face direct consequences.
Why Israel Targeted Yemen’s Huthi Prime Minister
The death of Yemen Huthi Prime Minister Ahmed Ghaleb Nasser Al-Rahawi comes against the backdrop of rising Huthi involvement in the Gaza conflict. Since October 2023, the Huthis have:
- Launched missiles and drones targeting Israel.
- Attacked commercial shipping routes in the Red Sea, claiming they were linked to Israel.
- Positioned themselves as part of the Iran-led “Axis of Resistance” alongside Hezbollah and other militias.
By striking at the Huthi leadership, Israel appears determined to disrupt the coordination of these cross-border attacks.
Regional Implications of the Airstrike
The killing of the Huthi Prime Minister carries significant regional consequences. Experts warn of three key outcomes:
- Escalation of Huthi Attacks – The group could intensify drone and missile strikes against Israel and allied vessels.
- Increased Threat to Global Shipping – Disruptions in the Red Sea may worsen, affecting oil supply chains and international trade.
- Heightened Iran-Israel Tensions – As the Huthis are heavily backed by Iran, this strike could provoke stronger regional retaliation.
While the exact long-term impact remains uncertain, the strike highlights Israel’s growing willingness to target Iranian proxies beyond Gaza and Lebanon.
Yemen’s War and Huthi Control
Since 2014, the Huthis have controlled large parts of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa. Their power grab triggered a prolonged war with Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces, plunging the nation into one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern history.
Iran’s support has helped the Huthis maintain influence. Their alignment with Palestinian groups during the Gaza war has only deepened their involvement in regional confrontations. With Al-Rahawi gone, the movement may face internal instability as it scrambles to reorganize leadership.
Global Reactions to the Israeli Strike
Although global responses have been limited so far, concerns are rising.
- European diplomats fear the escalation could worsen humanitarian suffering in Yemen.
- UN officials have urged restraint, warning that strikes on Yemen may derail fragile peace talks.
- Middle East analysts note that Israel’s strategy now extends beyond Gaza, aiming to deter threats in multiple fronts simultaneously.
These developments underline how interconnected the Gaza war has become with conflicts across the wider region.
Conclusion: Rising Risks After Al-Rahawi’s Death
The killing of Yemen Huthi Prime Minister Ahmed Ghaleb Nasser Al-Rahawi in an Israeli airstrike represents a turning point in both Yemen’s civil war and the wider Middle East conflict. His death is not only symbolic but could also reshape the Huthi strategy, intensify attacks on Israel, and heighten risks for global trade through the Red Sea.
As the conflict continues, questions remain: Will the Huthis retaliate with stronger military strikes? Can peace efforts in Yemen survive this escalation? Or will the war in Gaza push the region into even greater instability?
One thing is clear: the conflict is no longer confined to Gaza—it is now reshaping alliances and battle lines across the Middle East.
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