US Airstrikes Hit Yemen’s Ras Issa Oil Port

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.