Yemen's Houthi Prime Minister Ahmad Ghaleb al-Rahwi and several ministers were killed in an Israeli attack on the capital, Sana'a, last Thursday, the group's news agency reported Saturday, citing a statement by Mahdi al-Mashat, head of the Houthi Supreme Political Council. Several people were injured, according to the same source, who did not provide further details.

Israel said Thursday's airstrike targeted the Houthi chief of staff, the defense minister, and other senior officials, adding that it was verifying the outcome of the offensive.

The Israeli military said its warplanes attacked a compound in the Sanaa area where senior Houthi figures had gathered, describing the attack as a “complex operation” made possible by intelligence gathering and air superiority.

Ahmad Ghaleb al-Rahwi became prime minister almost a year ago, but the de facto leader of the government was his deputy, Mohamed Moftah, who was appointed this Saturday to carry out the duties of prime minister.

The Iran-backed Houthis have attacked ships in the Red Sea since Israel launched its offensive against Gaza in what they describe as acts of solidarity with the Palestinians. They have also fired missiles toward Israel, most of which have been intercepted. Israel has responded with strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, including the port of Hodeidah.