Yemen Mourns Houthi Prime Minister Killed in Israeli Airstrike; Rebels Target Red Sea Oil Tanker

Hundreds of Yemenis gathered in Sanaa to mourn the death of Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi, who was killed last week in an Israeli airstrike along with several other officials. The funeral, held at Shaab Mosque and broadcast by Al-Masirah TV, saw attendees chanting against Israel and the United States. Mourners, including families of the slain officials, paid their respects as coffins draped in Yemeni flags were displayed.

Al-Rahawi, appointed prime minister in August 2024, was the highest-ranking Houthi official killed since the Israeli-U.S. campaign against the group began earlier this year. Acting Prime Minister Mohamed Muftah addressed the funeral, stating that despite Israeli attacks, Yemeni ports under Houthi control remain operational, with no food or fuel shortages reported.

On the same day, Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for launching a missile at the Liberian-flagged oil tanker Scarlet Ray in the Red Sea, alleging the vessel had ties to Israel. The ship's owner, Eastern Pacific, confirmed that the vessel sustained no damage and that all crew members were safe. The Houthis have intensified attacks on Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, significantly disrupting global shipping routes.

Additionally, Houthi forces raided United Nations offices in Sanaa, detaining at least 11 staff members from agencies including the World Food Program, World Health Organization, and UNICEF. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the detentions and called for the immediate release of all personnel.