The United States military launched deadly airstrikes on Yemen’s Ras Issa oil port, a key fuel facility used by Huthi rebels, resulting in at least 20 deaths, including five paramedics, and leaving 50 others injured, according to the Huthi-run Health Ministry.

The US Central Command confirmed the operation, stating the objective was to cripple the Huthis’ economic resources and disrupt the flow of illegal revenue that funds their militant operations. The strike, part of a series of near-daily US attacks since March 15, is aimed at curbing Huthi assaults on civilian and military vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

“US forces took action to eliminate this source of fuel for the Iran-backed Huthi terrorists and deprive them of illegal revenue that has funded Huthi efforts to terrorize the entire region for over 10 years,” the US Central Command stated.

Despite being designated a foreign terrorist organization by Washington earlier this year, the Huthis reportedly continued to receive fuel shipments through Ras Issa. The strike caused a massive explosion, with videos showing a large fireball and thick smoke engulfing the port area.

Emergency responders are still working to extinguish the blaze and recover victims, as officials warn the death toll may rise due to the condition of several victims and unidentified remains.

The Huthis began targeting Red Sea and Israeli-bound vessels in late 2023, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza following the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October. On Friday, Israel reported intercepting a missile launched from Yemen.

The conflict has severely disrupted international shipping through the Suez Canal, a major global trade route responsible for around 12% of global maritime traffic, forcing many vessels to reroute around the southern tip of Africa, increasing shipping time and costs.

Meanwhile, France also reported the interception of a drone launched from Yemen by a French Navy frigate in the Red Sea, affirming its commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation.

In a related development, US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce accused China’s Chang Guang Satellite Technology Company of directly supporting Huthi attacks by supplying satellite imagery to assist rebel operations. She criticized Beijing for continuing to back the company despite previous US warnings.

“This is yet another example of China’s empty claims to support peace,” Bruce remarked.

The situation underscores the growing complexity of regional tensions, with the US and its allies intensifying military actions to protect maritime interests and suppress Huthi threats.

An American pastor who was kidnapped last week during a sermon in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province has been safely rescued, authorities confirmed Wednesday. The dramatic rescue came after a gunfight between police and the abductors, resulting in the deaths of three suspects.

Josh Sullivan, a 45-year-old missionary from Tennessee, has been living in the Motherwell township and serving at the local branch of Fellowship Baptist Church since 2018 with his wife and two children.

The abduction occurred last Thursday, when four armed, masked men stormed the church. They stole two mobile phones from members of the congregation before forcibly removing Sullivan from the pulpit and taking him away. His vehicle was discovered abandoned just a few hours later.

The case was swiftly taken up by a multi-agency task force, including the Anti-Gang Unit and the Serious Organised Crime Unit. Their investigation led them to a residence in KwaMagxaki, located in the city of Gqeberha about 20 minutes from the church.

Authorities said the operation escalated on Tuesday night when suspects in a vehicle parked outside the suspected hideout attempted to flee while opening fire on officers. All three suspects in the car were killed during the exchange.

“The victim was found inside the same vehicle from which the suspects had launched their attack,” Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba stated. “Miraculously unharmed, he was immediately assessed by medical personnel and is currently in an excellent condition.”

South Africa has seen a sharp increase in kidnappings, with police data showing a 264% rise over the last ten years. The Institute of Security Studies reports that while kidnapping is increasingly used in armed robberies and carjackings, fewer than 5% of such cases involve ransom demands.

Since being rescued, Sullivan—who identifies as “a church-planting missionary” on his personal website has reunited with his wife Meagan and their two children. A man named Tom Hatley, described by Sullivan on his blog as the pastor who trained him, shared a photo of the family on Facebook, writing: “Josh has been released.”

“Thank you for your support and prayers. Please do not stop praying for the Sullivans,” his message read.

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is considering shutting down nearly 30 embassies and consulates around the world. This move is part of a broader plan to streamline America’s diplomatic operations abroad.

CNN reported that this proposal is detailed in an internal State Department document.

The document also suggests reducing the scale of U.S. diplomatic missions in Somalia and Iraq—two countries that have played a significant role in America’s counter-terrorism efforts—along with resizing several other missions.

This proposed action follows a wider expected restructuring of the U.S. diplomatic system, as the Trump administration, with support from the Elon Musk-backed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aims to downsize the federal government.

It remains unclear if Secretary of State Marco Rubio has approved the proposed shutdowns.

Countries To Face Embassy/ Consulate Closure

The internal document reportedly lists 10 embassies and 17 consulates for closure. These diplomatic sites are mostly located in Europe and Africa, with others in Asia and the Caribbean.

Countries where embassies may be closed include Malta, Luxembourg, Lesotho, the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan.

Consulates listed for closure include five in France, two in Germany, two in Bosnia and Herzegovina, one in the United Kingdom, one in South Africa, and one in South Korea.

According to the document, duties from the closed embassies would be reassigned to nearby diplomatic outposts in neighboring countries.

When contacted, State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce declined to confirm details from the internal document or comment on plans to cut the department.

“I would suggest that you check with the White House and the President of the US as they continue to work on their budget plan and what they submit to Congress. The kinds of numbers and what we tend to see is reporting that is early or wrong, based on leaked documents from somewhere unknown,” Bruce said.

So far, the White House has nominated ambassadors for only two of the embassies mentioned in the document—Malta and Luxembourg.

Why The Closure?

Foreign Aid Restriction

The Trump administration proposed significant cuts to the State Department and USAID budgets, aiming to reduce foreign aid by nearly 75%. This fiscal strategy included plans to close up to 30 U.S. diplomatic missions abroad, with a notable focus on African nations.

The deliberations come as the Trump administration and billionaire Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency pursue a rapid and massive downsizing of the federal government, cutting billions of dollars in spending and terminating thousands of employees.

Realignment Of U.S Foreign Policy

Trump’s foreign policy emphasized a transactional approach, prioritizing direct benefits to the U.S. which aligns with his “America First” agenda over traditional diplomatic engagements. This shift led to a deprioritization of certain regions, including Africa, in favor of areas deemed more strategically vital to U.S. interests.

Understaffed Embassies

Many U.S. embassies in Africa faced staffing shortages and resource limitations, hindering their operational effectiveness. These challenges contributed to the administration’s decision to reevaluate the presence and necessity of certain diplomatic missions on the continent.

What’s Next For Africa

Embassies are central to maintaining diplomatic ties. When a U.S. embassy shuts down, It limits direct engagement between U.S. officials and African governments and It slows or halts diplomatic negotiations and cooperation on issues like security, trade, and governance.

Africa would have to strengthen ties with other global partners to fill diplomatic and economic gaps left by the U.S.

Impact on Visas and Investment deals

This might lead to visa processing delays for students, travelers, and migrants. Trade and investment deals involving U.S. companies may slow down or be re-evaluated.

Impact on Aid and Programs

Embassies often oversee and coordinate U.S. aid and development projects. A shutdown may:
Delay or suspend projects funded by USAID or other agencies.
Create uncertainty for local NGOs and communities dependent on such support.

Africa would have to use multilateral forums (like the UN or G20) for continued dialogue on key issues.