US Military Targets Fuel Terminal in Yemen to Curtail Houthi Resources

The United States military has conducted an airstrike on a fuel depot in Yemen, aiming to curb the flow of supplies and financial resources to the Iran-supported Houthi rebels.

This recent strike targeted the port of Ras Isa on the Red Sea, with the US asserting that the operation’s objective was to sever critical support for the Iranian-backed Houthis.

Reports from the Houthi group claim the assault resulted in at least 38 fatalities, including several paramedics.

Thursday’s strike marks an escalation in US military actions against the Houthis, which began a month ago.

When Reuters sought clarification on the reported casualties, US officials did not immediately offer a response.

Since October 2023, following the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza conflict, Houthi rebels have launched attacks on commercial vessels navigating the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

These assaults have led to the sinking of some ships and compelled several shipping companies to avoid the Red Sea, an important thoroughfare responsible for roughly 15% of global maritime trade.

In recent weeks, the United States has amplified its offensive against Houthi positions in Yemen, including one operation that came to light when a journalist was accidentally included in a group chat with senior officials via the messaging platform Signal.