The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a targeted aerial strike in Yemen on Thursday, killing Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed Al-Rahawi and several other senior officials. The strike, carried out by the Israeli Air Force, was attributed to rapid intelligence operations that enabled the IDF to neutralize the Houthi leadership in a matter of hours.
According to an IDF social media post, the attack targeted a site associated with Houthi military activities, specifically those responsible for the regime’s use of force, military buildup, and attacks on Israel. The IDF emphasized its commitment to targeting all threats against Israeli civilians, stating that it would continue its efforts to neutralize the Houthi threat.
This marked the second Israeli strike against the Houthis in Yemen within a week, following an attack on the country’s capital, Sana, which resulted in six deaths and 86 injuries, according to a Houthi Health Ministry spokesperson cited by Reuters. The IDF has repeatedly accused the Houthis of being under the direction of Iran to harm Israel and its allies, and of destabilizing the region. The recent strikes were launched after Israel intercepted two drones from Yemen, and according to Israeli outlet YNet, the speech by Houthi leader Abdul-Malik Badreddin al-Houthi continued without interruption during the operation.
Defending the strike, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated: ‘After the plague of darkness comes the plague of the death. Whoever raises a hand against Israel, their hand will be cut off,’ during a speech in the IDF central command. The IDF has maintained that the Houthis have been supporting Hamas, which launched the October 7 attack on Israel. This support has continued in the form of missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory, many of which have been intercepted by U.S. naval forces, including those on the USS Carney.
The conflict between Israel and the Houthis has spanned nearly two years, with the ongoing strikes indicating the deepening regional tensions. The IDF’s actions reflect its ongoing efforts to deter further attacks on Israeli civilians and to counter what it perceives as Iranian-backed aggression. The situation underscores the complex geopolitical landscape involving Israel, Iran-backed groups, and the broader Arab world, with the Red Sea region being a focal point for escalating tensions.