Yemeni Prime Minister of the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, Ahmed al-Rahavi, has been killed in an Israeli airstrike, which targeted an apartment in Sanaa on Thursday, according to Yemen’s Al Jumhuriya Television.
Aden Al-Ghad reported that several of al-Rahavi’s associates also died in the strike. The attack was separate from another operation outside Sanaa and was aimed at a high-level Houthi leadership meeting. The meeting reportedly included at least ten ministers, including the Houthi defense minister, and was scheduled to feature a speech by Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi.
The total number of casualties from the strike remains unclear.
Israeli Channel Kan reported that al-Rahavi had served as Houthi Prime Minister for one year, though he was not internationally recognized. N12 stated that he was a close ally of Iran and Hezbollah and had directly authorized attacks against Israel.
Arab media outlets reported nearly ten airstrikes in Sanaa. According to Yemeni sources cited by Kan, the Presidential Palace was also targeted, resulting in the deaths of several senior Houthi officials.
Sources: Times of Israel, Walla! News, Israel National News.