U.S. airstrikes aimed at the Ras Isa oil port in Yemen, which is controlled by the Houthi rebels, have left 38 people dead and 102 others wounded, according to reports from the Houthis.
The attacks, confirmed by the U.S. military, have marked one of the deadliest strikes in the ongoing conflict between the U.S.-backed Yemeni government and the Iran-aligned Houthis.
The airstrikes, which took place on April 18, were part of a broader U.S. campaign targeting Houthi infrastructure. The Houthis condemned the strike as an “unjustified aggression” and a blatant violation of Yemen’s sovereignty.
They claimed the attack targeted a vital civilian oil facility that has served Yemen’s people for decades.
The Ras Isa oil port, located on the Red Sea, is crucial for the Houthis as it allows them to import and export oil.
While the Houthis have controlled much of the country since 2015, including the capital, Sanaa, the Yemeni government has lost significant territory.
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The airstrikes follow months of escalating conflict, including missile and drone attacks from the Houthis on commercial vessels and U.S. warships.
The U.S. military stated that the goal of the airstrikes was to target Houthi-controlled sources of fuel that have supported rebel efforts in the region.
However, they did not specifically address reports of civilian casualties. In their statement, U.S. officials emphasized that their actions were intended to hinder the Houthis’ ability to fund their military operations, not to harm innocent civilians.
At the same time, the U.S. is facing new international concerns, including an accusation that a Chinese satellite company is aiding Houthi attacks.
Despite this, U.S. airstrikes are expected to continue as part of a month-long offensive to pressure the Houthis and Iran, particularly as nuclear negotiations with Iran are set to resume.
