US Airstrikes
In one of the deadliest airstrikes since the US ramped up its military operations in Yemen, at least 74 people were killed, and 171 others were injured following an attack on the Houthi-controlled Ras Isa oil port.
The strike, which took place during working hours, targeted a key facility that plays a crucial role in Yemen’s economy and the delivery of humanitarian aid. According to the Houthi Health Ministry, the strike left workers and truck drivers at the port caught off guard, leading to a significant loss of life.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the strikes were part of a broader effort to disrupt the Houthis’ fuel supply, which serves as a critical revenue source for the Iran-backed group.
Ras Isa port is an essential site for Yemen’s oil exports and imports, and also for the transportation of humanitarian aid. About 70% of Yemen’s imports and 80% of the aid that enters the country pass through this port and its neighboring facilities, making it a focal point of the ongoing conflict.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing multiple explosions and seeing massive destruction at the port following the airstrikes. Many of the casualties were port employees and truck drivers who were present at the time of the attack.
The strikes have been widely condemned, as they highlight the continued vulnerability of civilians and workers in conflict zones.
In retaliation for the US airstrikes, the Houthis launched missile attacks targeting military sites in Israel and two US aircraft carriers stationed in the region.
This counterstrike reflects the growing tensions in the ongoing conflict, where the US’s involvement has escalated significantly since President Donald Trump resumed office in January.
The attack on Ras Isa is considered one of the deadliest actions in the region since this increase in military operations, further inflaming an already volatile situation.
As the conflict intensifies, the port remains a vital lifeline for both Yemen’s economy and international aid efforts, making its continued operation critical in a country facing severe humanitarian challenges.
