(WARNEWS) — Overnight, the U.S. launched an attack on a major oil terminal in Yemen that is under Houthi control, resulting in numerous casualties as reported by the Iranian-supported fighters. This development has heightened concerns about an escalation of tensions across the Middle East.
The attack on the Ras Issa fuel import facility seemed to be one of the largest and most fatal incidents since US President Donald Trump authorized an operation.
aerial campaign
in mid-March against the Houthis. These airstrikes have thus far been unable to halt Houthi maritime operations in the Red Sea or their missile attacks on Israel, leading the U.S. military to contemplate providing support for additional actions.
ground offensive
on the group by Yemeni factions.
Ras Issa, located about 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of the Red Sea city of Hodeida, was hit more than a dozen times by US fighter jets. At least 74 people, most of them port workers, were killed and 171 were injured, according to Houthi-controlled health authorities in the area. Ras Issa, the main gateway for fuel coming into Houthi-held territory, suffered huge damage, the group said.
US Central Command, which oversees the American military in the Middle East, said in a
statement on X
The aim was “to weaken the Houthi’s economic base of power.”
CENTCOM did not provide information regarding casualties and did not promptly reply to a request for commentary from WARNEWS.
CENTCOM stated on X that this strike was not meant to hurt the people of Yemen, who rightfully seek to free themselves from Houthi domination and enjoy peace.” They further explained that “the Houthis utilize fuel for their military activities, employing it as a tool of control and an economic resource through the misappropriation of funds derived from imports.
Until the latest incident, the Houthi health authorities said around 120 people had been killed since the first strikes on March 15. The Houthis have acknowledged that at least 40 of their fighters have been killed, including some with the rank of colonel. Their leader, Abdul Malik Al-Houthi, is still at large.
In a speech on Thursday, Al-Houthi vowed to “continue waging jihad” against “American and Israeli tyranny.”
Shortly after the attack on Ras Issa, sirens sounded across Israel because of what the country’s military described as a missile launch from Yemen. The projectile was shot down, the Israeli military said, with no reports of casualties.
Iran’s foreign ministry described the attacks on Ras Issa as “brutal” and stated that the US is “complicit and a partner in Israel’s offenses.”
|
U.S. Discusses Ground Offensive With Yemeni Troops Against Houthi Rebels Progress of America Against Persistent Houthi Fighters Still Unclear Houthi Attacks Increase Regional Stakes for Trump: Shift in Power Dynamics |
The most recent intensification in U.S. activities follows talks between Washington and both anti-Houthi factions within Yemen and Gulf Arab nations about the potential for initiating a ground operation led by Yemenis. This move aims to remove the Houthis from control in key areas such as Hodeida and potentially even the capital city of Sanaa. As reported by WARNEWS earlier this week, these plans are under consideration.
Shortly after regaining control in January, Trump labeled the Houthis as
foreign terrorist organization
. The start of the air strikes two months later was meant to end Houthi attacks on warships and commercial vessels — which have pushed up global freight rates — as well as missile strikes on Israel.
The Houthis have controlled Sanaa, Hodeida, and other regions since overthrowing Yemen’s government approximately ten years ago. They claim their actions are motivated by support for Palestinians and will persist until the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza ceases.
In recent years, the Houthis have gained considerable military and technological backing from Tehran; however, they usually operate with greater independence compared to other Iranian proxies like Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Although the US claims these attacks aim to exert pressure on Iran as well, they persist with their actions.
negotiations with the Islamic Republic
Those events started last weekend in Oman, with a second round set for Saturday in Rome. Trump has warned of potential military action against Iran unless the country commits to an agreement limiting its nuclear operations.
–Assisted by Dan Williams.
(Updated with remarks from Houthis regarding the damage at the port.)
Additional tales of this nature can be found on
WARNEWS
©2025 WARNEWSL.P.
