At least 30 people were killed and over 80 injured in a US airstrike on the Houthi-controlled Ras Issa oil terminal in Yemen, escalating tensions in the Red Sea region.
The strike, launched on Friday, was confirmed by US Central Command (CENTCOM), which stated the attack aimed to disrupt the Houthis’ ability to fund militant operations through illegal oil sales. However, the statement did not address casualties.
Houthi-owned Al-Masirah TV aired graphic footage showing charred bodies and debris at the scene. According to Houthi sources, paramedics and civilian workers were among the dead. The attack triggered a massive explosion and fire at the site.
Located on Yemen’s Red Sea coast in Hodeidah Governorate, Ras Issa hosts oil tanks and a refinery. Houthi officials condemned the strike as a “blatant act of aggression” and a violation of Yemeni sovereignty, claiming the facility has long served civilians.
Earlier this month, the US warned of consequences for any oil operations at Houthi-controlled ports. The latest airstrikes are also seen as part of broader pressure on Iran over its nuclear ambitions, though the end of such operations remains uncertain.
LND/BG
