SANAA: Yemen’s Hou­this on Saturday confirmed that prime minister had been killed in an Israeli airstrike, the most senior official known to have died in a series of attacks during the Gaza war.

Ahmed Ghaleb Nasser Al-Rahawi, who was appointed last year, was killed along with other officials in the Israeli attack on Thursday, the Houthis said.

“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,” a Houthi statement said.

“Others among their companions were injured with moderate to serious wounds and are receiving medical care since Thursday afternoon,” it added.

Separately, the Houthis announced that Deputy Prime Minister Mohammed Ahmed Miftah was appointed as interim prime minister following Rahawi’s martyrdom.

Israel has been striking Yemen for several months in response to missile attacks by the Houthis in the Red Sea. The group claimed that the attacks were launched in solidarity with the Palestinians, who have been facing Israeli aggression.

Israeli forces earlier on Friday said they struck a Houthi regime military target. The airstrike had targeted the Iran-aligned group’s chief of staff, defence minister and other senior officials, Israel said, adding that it was verifying the outcome.

Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2025