Israeli defence minister says Houthi leaders fled Sana’a

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has claimed that leaders of the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen have fled the capital, Sana’a, following Israeli airstrikes.

Katz warned that senior figures who reportedly left the city could be targeted, Caliber.Az reports.

שארית הנהגת החות'ים בורחת מצנעא.

כמו כל ראשי הטרור של האיסלאם הקיצוני הם דואגים לעצמם ומפקירים את התושבים. כך ראשי החמאס בעזה ובמלונות הפאר בקטאר, וכך החות'ים בתימן.

ידענו לצוד אותם הפעם - ונדע גם בעתיד.

— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) September 2, 2025

“This time, we knew how to hunt them, and we will know how to do it in the future,” he wrote.

Earlier reports indicated that some Houthi leaders had moved to fortified shelters in Saada, Amran, and other areas under their control.

To recall, on August 28, 2025, Israeli forces launched targeted airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen, killing Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi and several senior officials, including Defence Minister Mohamed al-Atifi and Chief of Staff Muhammad Abd al-Karim al-Ghamari.

The attack, dubbed "Operation Lucky Drop," struck a villa in Bayt Baws where officials gathered to watch a speech by Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi. The Israeli Air Force hit multiple sites, including safe houses, with over ten missiles, killing 12 cabinet members, per Houthi reports.

Israel confirmed the strikes, with Defense Minister Israel Katz calling it a "knockout blow" to Houthi leadership. 

The attack followed a Houthi missile strike on Israel using cluster munitions, escalating tensions. The Houthis vowed revenge, with Mahdi al-Mashat promising retaliation.

This marked Israel’s 16th strike on Houthi targets since May 2025, prompted by Houthi missile and drone attacks on Israel and Red Sea shipping in solidarity with Palestinians. The strikes disrupted Yemen’s infrastructure, with Sanaa International Airport previously disabled.

By Aghakazim Guliyev