Yemen's Houthi Leader Suffers Fatal Casualty Due to Israeli Airstrike

In a significant development in the ongoing conflict in Yemen, the Houthi leader Ahmed al-Rahaui was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Sanaa on Thursday. The Israeli military confirmed that several high-ranking Houthi representatives, including al-Rahaui, were targeted and killed in the attack.

Al-Rahaui was appointed as prime minister by the Houthi organization last year, but was seen as a largely symbolic figure with little real power. Upon announcing his death, the Houthi's highest political council appointed Mohammed Ahmed as acting prime minister. Mohammed Ahmed had previously served as al-Rahaui's deputy.

The Houthi government, which is not internationally recognized, controls the north of Yemen and has been doing so for nearly a decade. The Houthis, officially known as "Ansar Allah" ("Supporters of God"), have been attacking commercial ships and occasionally Israel since the start of the Gaza war nearly two years ago, with the declared aim of supporting the Palestinians. They are backed by Iran.

The Saba news agency, which is controlled by the Houthis, reported the appointment of Mohammed Ahmed as acting prime minister. The facility targeted in the Israeli airstrike was a gathering place for "dozens" of leading members of the Houthi regime.

The Houthi militia is considered the strongest force in Yemen. The Houthis' leader is Abdel Malik al-Huthi, whose brother founded the Shia organization around 30 years ago. The civil war in Yemen has been raging since 2014, with no end in sight.

Following the attack, the Houthi government vowed to continue its work. Despite not being internationally recognized, the government has maintained control over the north of Yemen for nearly a decade. The Houthis have not shied away from their attacks on commercial ships and Israel, with the aim of supporting the Palestinians.

The death of Ahmed al-Rahaui is a significant blow to the Houthi regime, but it remains to be seen how this will impact the ongoing conflict in Yemen. The appointment of Mohammed Ahmed as acting prime minister indicates a smooth transition of power within the Houthi government, but the future remains uncertain.