DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – U.S. airstrikes on an oil port controlled by Yemen’s Houthi rebels resulted in the deaths of 74 individuals and injuries to 171 others, according to the group. This marks the deadliest attack so far in President Donald Trump’s heightened military campaign against the faction backed by Iran.
The strike on the Ras Isa port represented a significant escalation in U.S. efforts by targeting oil facilities for the first time. Assessing the impact of Trump’s campaign, which commenced on March 15, has proven challenging as the U.S. military’s Central Command has not disclosed detailed information regarding the targets or casualty figures. The Houthis maintain strict control over the areas under attack, limiting access and the publication of comprehensive information on the strikes, most of which are likely aimed at military and security installations.
In response to the airstrike, Central Command stated that the U.S. forces took action to cut off an essential source of fuel for the Houthi terrorists backed by Iran, depriving them of illicit revenue that has supported their activities in the region for over a decade. However, the Houthis launched a missile towards Israel shortly after the strike, prompting the Israeli military to intercept it as sirens blared in Tel Aviv and surrounding areas.
As the conflict in Yemen grows increasingly internationalized, the U.S. alleged that a Chinese satellite company was directly supporting Houthi attacks, although Beijing declined to comment directly on the matter. Furthermore, upcoming negotiations between Iran and the U.S. regarding Tehran’s advancing nuclear program, which the U.S. has linked to the Yemen campaign, are expected to take place in Rome.
The Ras Isa port, a key hub for oil imports including gasoline, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas for the Houthis, suffered significant damage. The airstrikes could have severe consequences for the residents in Houthi-held areas of Yemen. Despite the Houthis denouncing the U.S. attack as unjustified aggression, the U.S. State Department issued a warning about oil shipments to Yemen, emphasizing its stance against support to foreign terrorist organizations like the Houthis.
This airstrike on the port stands out as the deadliest attack in Trump’s campaign against the Houthis. The assessment of casualties remains challenging, as the conflicting reports and nature of the strikes targeting both civilian and military sites add complexity to the situation. The accusations against the Chinese satellite company further complicate the geopolitical landscape surrounding the conflict in Yemen.
In the midst of escalating tensions and military actions, efforts towards peace and stability are intricately tied to the actions and responses of global powers involved in the conflict. The impact of these developments not only affects the immediate region but also has broader implications on international relations and security.