A series of United States airstrikes on a fuel port in western Yemen has left at least 38 people dead, according to Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV, marking one of the bloodiest incidents since Washington intensified its aerial assault on the Iran-aligned group in recent weeks.
The strikes, which targeted the Ras Isa fuel facility in Hodeidah province, were described by US Central Command as part of a strategic effort to disrupt the Houthis’ financial resources. The port, it said, had been a source of unlawful revenue for the group.
“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,” US Central Command said in a statement. “This strike was not intended to harm the people of Yemen.”
Al-Masirah reported that all of those killed were workers at the facility, with a further 102 individuals injured, citing figures from the Houthi-controlled regional health ministry.
When approached for further comment on the reported casualties, the Pentagon directed CNN to Central Command’s earlier statement.
Since mid-March, the US has escalated its campaign of airstrikes against Houthi targets across Yemen, striking oil facilities, missile bases, and airports.
US President Donald Trump has pledged to apply “overwhelming force” until the Houthis halt their attacks on shipping lanes in the Red Sea.
The Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for launching missiles towards Israel and disrupting Red Sea maritime traffic, saying the actions are a show of solidarity with Palestinians amidst Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, attacks.
Footage broadcast by Al-Masirah depicted wounded individuals being treated in hospitals in the early hours, many suffering from severe burns.
“Multiple air raids targeted the area,” a man identified as a civil defence worker told Al-Masirah, speaking from a hospital bed. “I found myself falling on the ground as a rocket hit.”
“One strike after another, the whole area was lit on fire,” he added. “When we managed to leave the area, we saw the place where we were hiding earlier getting struck too.”
The US has maintained that its military actions are proving effective. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz stated that several Houthi leaders have been eliminated.
Despite the scale of the operation, which CNN previously reported has cost the US close to $1 billion in just three weeks, sources familiar with the campaign admit that the strikes have so far had a limited effect on the Houthis’ operational capabilities.
