At least 38 people died and more than 100 sustained injuries in US airstrikes on the Ras Isa fuel port in western Yemen on Thursday, according to Houthi-run Al Masirah TV. The attack marks one of the deadliest days since the United States began its military campaign against the Houthi group.
Targeting Economic Power
The US military stated that the strikes aimed to cripple a vital fuel source used by the Houthis to sustain their operations. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the US Central Command said,
“The objective of these strikes was to degrade the economic source of power of the Houthis, who continue to exploit and bring great pain upon their fellow countrymen.”
Despite the high casualty figures, the Pentagon has not yet responded to the Houthi-reported death toll.
Houthi Media Reports Devastation
Al Masirah TV broadcasted footage of the aftermath, showing fires, rubble, and people rushing the wounded to hospitals. It reported 102 injuries and widespread destruction of fuel infrastructure at the port, which lies along the Red Sea coast.
The attack sent shockwaves across the region, further escalating tensions between the US and Iran-aligned Houthi forces. Houthi officials condemned the strike as a “war crime” and vowed retaliation.
Why the US is Targeting the Houthis?
Since November 2023, Houthi forces have launched numerous missile and drone attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. They claim to target vessels linked to Israel in solidarity with Palestinians amid the war in Gaza.
In response, the US began large-scale airstrikes last month, warning that the military campaign would continue until the Houthis halted their attacks on international shipping routes.
Though the Houthis observed a pause in assaults during a two-month Gaza ceasefire, they had vowed to resume operations after Israel renewed its offensive. However, they have not claimed responsibility for any new Red Sea attacks since then.
One of the Bloodiest Strikes in US-Yemen Conflict
Thursday’s airstrike now ranks among the bloodiest since the US intensified its Yemen campaign. Previously, a two-day US offensive in March reportedly killed more than 50 people, according to Houthi sources.
The Ras Isa port has long been a critical energy hub in western Yemen. Destroying it could cripple Houthi logistics but also worsen the humanitarian crisis in an already war-torn region.
No Official Civilian Toll From the US Yet
While the US military emphasized strategic objectives, it has yet to comment on the reported civilian toll. Global humanitarian groups have repeatedly warned that military action in Yemen risks deepening civilian suffering and destabilizing the region further.
As of now, global reactions remain mixed, with some Western nations supporting the US campaign and others urging restraint.
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