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According to the United States Central Command, the targeted site was used to finance Houthi “terrorist” activities.
The United States conducted strikes on the Ras Isa fuel port, located in a Houthi-controlled region of Yemen. This operation is part of President Donald Trump’s initiative to prevent the rebel group from attacking tankers and other commercial vessels traversing the Suez Canal and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated on Thursday that “The Iran-backed Houthis utilize fuel to support their military actions, as a tool for control, and to gain financially by misappropriating import profits.” They further noted that ships continued to deliver fuel through the port even after the militant group was designated as a terrorist organization on April 5.
CENTCOM asserted that “The proceeds from these unlawful sales directly fund and sustain Houthi terrorist operations.” “The purpose of these strikes was to weaken the Houthis’ economic power base.”
Houthi officials reported that 38 civilians, including five paramedics, were killed and an additional 102 were wounded. The majority of the casualties were reportedly port employees.
According to the Al-Masirah TV channel, Houthi authorities stated, “We affirm Yemen’s legal right to defend itself, and this crime will not go unpunished.”
Shortly after the strikes, the Israel Defense Forces announced the interception of a ballistic missile launched from Yemen on Friday morning.
The Houthis are in control of western Yemen, including Sanaa, the capital city, and the port of Hodeidah. Since 2023, the group has launched kamikaze drones and missiles at commercial ships in support of Palestinians in Gaza. The Houthis have also launched ballistic missiles at Israel, stating that these attacks would cease once Israel ends its campaign against Hamas in Gaza.
Last month, US President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to increase strikes in Yemen, warning that the Houthis would be “completely annihilated” if they did not stop targeting shipping. However, the group pledged not to yield to pressure. The Houthis have since claimed responsibility for attacks on US warships patrolling the Red Sea. On April 1, the militants claimed to have shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone.