Will Yemen's Houthis Seek Revenge Following Israeli Airstrikes?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Yemen's Houthi officials have declared their intent to retaliate against Israel after the tragic loss of Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi and other ministers in recent airstrikes. This escalating conflict raises pressing questions about regional stability. What implications will this have for the ongoing tensions in the Middle East?
Key Takeaways
- Retaliation from the Houthis is expected following airstrikes.
- Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi was killed in the attacks.
- Israeli airstrikes targeted a meeting of Houthi officials.
- Iran condemned the attacks, highlighting regional alliances.
- The Houthis have maintained control over northern Yemen since 2014.
Sanaa, Aug 31 (NationPress) Senior leaders of Yemen's Houthi faction have pledged to retaliate against Israel following the confirmation that Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi of the Houthi-supported government, along with multiple other ministers, lost their lives in Israeli airstrikes on Thursday.
On Saturday, the group issued a statement revealing that these officials were targeted in Sanaa during a workshop assessing government performance over the past year, with several other ministers sustaining injuries and currently hospitalized, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The statement did not specify the total number of ministers who died.
In the meantime, Houthi-operated al-Masirah TV announced that Mohammed Miftah, the group's deputy prime minister, has been assigned to lead a caretaker government in Sanaa.
Following the announcement regarding the fatalities of these high-ranking officials, Mahdi al-Mashat, head of the Supreme Political Council—Houthi’s highest governing body—stated in a broadcast on al-Masirah TV that "Israel should prepare for dark days ahead."
According to Houthi-run Saba news agency, Defence Minister Mohammed Nasser al-Atifi asserted that their forces are "prepared at every level to confront" Israel, while Houthi military chief of staff Mohammed Abdulkarim al-Gumari proclaimed that "the Israeli aggression on civilian sites will not go unpunished."
Initially, the group had denied any casualties resulting from Thursday's airstrikes, despite reports confirming al-Rahawi's death.
Israel has stated that its air force executed a "significant operation" targeting a meeting of the Houthi cabinet in Sanaa as they were observing a speech by their leader, Abdulmalik al-Houthi, concerning the Gaza conflict. A Houthi insider noted that Israeli warplanes conducted 10 airstrikes on a building in southern Sanaa where the meeting took place.
On Saturday, Iran, known for its strong ties with the Houthis, vehemently condemned the recent Israeli airstrikes against the group.
The Houthis, who have control over a large portion of northern Yemen, have executed drone and missile strikes on Israel since November 2023, framing these actions as support for Palestinians during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Most of these projectiles have been intercepted by Israel.
In retaliation, Israel has targeted Houthi-controlled regions, striking airports, power stations, and ports in Sanaa and the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, with Thursday's airstrikes believed to have inflicted significant damage on the group.
The Houthis captured Sanaa in 2014, forcing the internationally recognized Yemeni government to flee to Aden. Since then, they have maintained control over much of northern Yemen, including Sanaa and Hodeidah, establishing an unrecognized government in the capital.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach these developments with a balanced and informed perspective. The Houthis' vow for retaliation underscores the fragility of the region and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen. It is imperative to consider the voices of all parties involved while advocating for dialogue and peaceful resolutions.
NationPress
31/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the recent airstrikes in Yemen?
The Israeli airstrikes targeted a meeting of the Houthi cabinet in Sanaa, where senior officials were present, including Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi, resulting in multiple casualties.
What has been the response of the Houthis to the airstrikes?
The Houthis have vowed to retaliate against Israel, declaring their forces ready to confront any aggression.
How has Iran reacted to the airstrikes?
Iran has strongly condemned the Israeli airstrikes against the Houthis, reflecting its close ties with the group.
What is the historical context of the Houthis in Yemen?
The Houthis have controlled significant portions of northern Yemen since seizing Sanaa in 2014, leading to a prolonged conflict against the internationally recognized Yemeni government.
What are the implications of this conflict for the region?
The ongoing hostilities could further destabilize the region, complicating peace efforts and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
