U.S. Airstrikes Target Houthi-Controlled Fuel Port in Yemen, Casualties Reported

WASHINGTON, April 17 (Reuters) – U.S. military forces launched airstrikes on a fuel terminal in Yemen‘s Ras Isa port on Thursday, targeting the Iranian-backed Houthi rebel group amid ongoing conflict in the region. The strikes aimed to cut off fuel supplies that the Houthis use to finance their military operations.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the strikes were a response to escalating maritime attacks by the Houthis in the Red Sea, which increased following the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war in October 2023. Authorities reported that at least 38 people were killed, including paramedics, as a result of the strikes, according to Houthi-run media.

“Today, U.S. forces took action to eliminate this source of fuel for the Iran-backed Houthi terrorists,” CENTCOM said in a statement, emphasizing that the goal of the operation was to degrade the economic capabilities of the Houthis. The military operations are part of an ongoing campaign that has intensified since March.

Commercial shipping through the Red Sea has faced disruption due to the Houthi attacks, with the group claiming responsibility for multiple assaults on vessels, citing solidarity with Palestinian causes. “The Houthis continue to exploit and bring great pain upon their fellow countrymen,” CENTCOM added.

Recent data indicates that almost 15% of global seaborne trade transit the Red Sea. Since the commencement of targeted operations, the U.S. has deployed additional military resources to the region, including parts of its B-2 bomber fleet to Diego Garcia, and is operating two aircraft carriers, USS Carl Vinson and USS Harry S. Truman.

The ongoing U.S. military actions are reported to be largely tactical, focusing on diminishing the Houthis’ ability to wage attacks that threaten international shipping lanes. President Donald Trump has pledged to maintain pressure on the group until they cease hostilities against maritime traffic.

The Houthi response has been one of defiance, continuing to assert their operations while accusing the U.S. of complicity in the conflict. Houthi leaders stated they have assumed responsibility for over 170 attacks against Israel in recent months.

The airstrikes at Ras Isa represent one of the most severe confrontations involving U.S. forces in recent history, showcasing an escalation in military engagement amid a complex geopolitical landscape. Both the U.S. and Houthi sources have indicated that further threats may continue if the maritime situation does not stabilize.