A US strike on Yemen's Ras Isa fuel port resulted in 80 deaths, according to the Houthi-run health ministry. The victims included civilians and rescue workers. This incident is the deadliest attack since the US began its campaign against the Iran-backed Houthi group.
The rebels' Al-Masirah TV reported 80 dead and 150 wounded, citing local officials. The Ras Isa fuel port is considered a major economic site in Yemen. Analysts suggest the attack sends a message to Iran, amid pressure from the US regarding its nuclear program.
President Trump had threatened to "annihilate" Yemen's Houthis after attacks on the Red Sea. These attacks were in protest against Israel's military operation in Gaza. The Houthis have vowed to retaliate after the US strike.
The Houthis claimed to have targeted two US aircraft carriers and a military site near Israel's main airport. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that US aggression would lead to more counterattacks. The US strikes were concentrated around the port facility, impacting truck drivers and emergency responders.
The Ras Isa terminal has a storage capacity of 3 million barrels. It was the first port built for oil exports from Yemen. The US has vowed to continue attacking Yemen's Houthis unless attacks on Red Sea shipping cease.
Iran called the attack "barbaric," and Hamas denounced the strikes as "blatant aggression." Israel's military reported intercepting a missile launched from Yemen. Experts are questioning the practicality of the US war aims in Yemen.