For more than two months, the Houthis have been experiencing an unprecedented leadership breakdown following a series of Israeli airstrikes that obliterated a high-level government meeting attended by their unrecognized prime minister, Ahmed Ghaleb al-Rahwi, and nine ministers. Since that night, signs of a silent internal collapse have intensified as prominent figures vanished from the scene—most notably the two deputy prime ministers and several sovereign ministers—amid an extraordinary blackout imposed by the group over their political and medical conditions.

Miftah… the only survivor forced to carry a hollow government

Mohammed Miftah, the first deputy prime minister and the most visible survivor, appeared briefly at funeral ceremonies with minor injuries he later described as a “miraculous escape.” Despite being appointed as acting prime minister, he failed to assemble a full cabinet meeting, as real authority has reportedly shifted to “shadow ministers” and Hashemite loyalists embedded in key ministries.

Al-Madani… the man swallowed by the strike

Mohammed Hassan al-Madani, the second deputy prime minister and minister of local administration, vanished completely after the attack. Initial reports confirm he attended the meeting minutes before the strike and was likely injured. His brother, the newly appointed Chief of Staff Yusuf al-Madani—assigned after Mohammed al-Ghumari was killed—has also not assumed his duties, adding further mystery.

Al-Ruwayshan… a hidden injury and a fractured security apparatus

Jalal al-Ruwayshan, deputy prime minister for defense and security, and head of the Supreme Security Committee, has not been seen since August 28. Defense sources say he was injured near the site as he arrived for the meeting. Although his condition is reportedly “not critical,” his total absence and reliance on written statements fuel speculation about his state.

Interior and Defense Ministers… prolonged absence and critical health

Interior Minister Abdulkarim al-Houthi’s health has deteriorated severely, according to medical sources, while Defense Minister Mohammed Nasser al-Atifi is undergoing complex surgeries and remains in unstable condition. Their ministries are now effectively controlled by “shadow operatives” loyal to Abdulmalik al-Houthi.

Those who rose from the rubble… and those buried by silence

A few ministers—such as Hassan al-Saadi, Ali Shaiban, Mohammed Qaheem, and Abdullah al-Ameer—have reappeared after receiving treatment, yet the disappearance of sovereign-level officials continues to paralyze the Houthi government.

A heavy vacuum… and secrecy that reveals the scale of collapse

The Houthis’ unprecedented blackout over the fate of their top leadership—particularly heads of security, intelligence, defense, and interior—reveals attempts to manage a dangerous power vacuum. Decision-making has reportedly shifted to Murtadha Ahmed Hamed’s office and Iranian-linked intelligence circles. Analysts view the secrecy as a sign of structural collapse at the group’s core and a growing internal struggle among competing Hashemite power factions.