WASHINGTON: On Thursday, US military strikes targeting a fuel port in Yemen resulted in the deaths of at least 38 people, according to reports from Houthi-controlled media. This incident marks one of the deadliest days in the ongoing US military operations against the Iran-backed Houthi movement since strikes intensified last month.
The US has firmly stated that it will continue its extensive bombing campaign, the most significant military action in the Middle East since President Donald Trump’s administration began, unless the Houthis cease their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.
Al Masirah TV, a Houthi-run outlet, reported that an additional 102 individuals sustained injuries in the strikes at the Ras Isa fuel port. The US military confirmed that the goal of these attacks was to disrupt the fuel supply for the Houthi militants, who have been escalating tensions in the region.
When asked for a comment on the reported casualty numbers, the US Central Command indicated they had no additional figures beyond the initial announcement regarding the strikes.
In a statement on the social media platform X, they emphasized, “The objective of these strikes was to degrade the economic source of power of the Houthis, who continue to exploit and bring great pain upon their fellow countrymen.”
Since November 2023, the Houthis have significantly increased drone and missile assaults on vessels in the Red Sea, claiming these attacks were aimed at ships they associate with Israel due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
They had previously paused their shipping lane attacks during a two-month ceasefire tied to the Gaza situation but have indicated intentions to renew strikes in response to Israel’s resumed military actions in the region, even though no new claims have been made since.
Notably, in March, a separate series of US attacks reportedly claimed more than 50 lives, as stated by Houthi officials. The situation remains increasingly volatile, with both sides persisting in their military strategies amid rising regional tensions.
