U.S. forces carried out an assault on a significant oil facility in western Yemen on Thursday, marking the first openly reported strike in several weeks amid their continuing aerial offensive against the Houthis.
“Today, U.S. troops acted to remove this supply of resources for the Iran-supported Houthi militants and prevent their access to unlawful funds,” stated the Central Command.
Ras Isa is a crucial oil pipeline and terminal, one of three along the nation’s western coastline for exporting petroleum.
Overwhelming majority of imports along with humanitarian aid
Enter Yemen. The Central Command contended that the Iran-supported Houthi rebels, whom the U.S. designates as a terrorist organization, were utilizing the location as both a fuel depot and for illicit activities.
Central Command stated that the aim of these attacks was to weaken the economic foundation of the Houthis’ power.
In late March, the U.S. military initiated a prolonged series of airstrikes against the organization, warning that these attacks would persist until the Houthis cease their assaults on commercial vessels navigating through the Red Sea, which is crucial for international commerce.
Last week when the operation started, the Pentagon provided updates to journalists about the campaign. However, they have not been forthcoming with information regarding the strike count, specific targets, or advancements towards restoring maritime routes. This silence contrasts sharply with their communication during the past year’s air assaults against the Houthis, where U.S. Central Command regularly issued detailed public statements.
“He noted that they won’t acknowledge the extent of their losses or reveal how damaged their leadership has become, even though we are aware of this situation,” Hegseth stated regarding the Houthis earlier last week.
When requested to elaborate on those figures, Hegseth hesitated.
What is clear, however, is America’s recent military buildup in the region. Hegseth has rushed a second
carrier strike group
, air defense batteries,
sophisticated bombers and jet fighters
To the Middle East to support the campaign and send a message to Iran, which is now entering into direct negotiations with the U.S. regarding the future of its nuclear program.
Central Command did not reveal the military resources used in Thursday’s attack or the count of those harmed.
