US military strikes on Yemen’s Houthi rebels have reportedly resulted in the deaths of 33 people and injuries to 80 more, according to media affiliated with the Houthis. If confirmed, this incident would be among the most fatal of US-led strikes since the campaign started on March 15 under President Trump, involving numerous operations.
The targeted oil port of Ras Isa aims to sever the rebels’ accused funding source—an “illegal revenue” stream used to finance their regional terrorism efforts spanning over a decade. The Central Command of the US military emphasized the strikes were not meant to harm civilians, who are suffering under Houthi control, and strive to live in peace.
Graphic footage broadcast by Houthi al-Masirah TV showed the aftermath, with casualties and destruction from an explosion and fires at the site. Paramedics and civilians were among the reported victims.
The US State Department issued a warning on April 9 against oil shipments to Yemen, clarifying that support to the Houthis, including oil deliveries to their controlled ports, is not tolerated.
Comparative analysis by the Associated Press suggests the Trump administration’s operation against the Houthis is more aggressive than the prior strategy under President Biden, expanding its targets from launch sites to include key personnel and urban bombardments.
This escalation in airstrikes followed threats by the Houthis to target “Israeli” ships, in response to what they see as Israeli obstruction of aid to the Gaza Strip. However, the definition of “Israeli” ships is vague, putting many vessels at risk.
From November 2023 to January 2024, the Houthis attacked over 100 merchant ships with missiles and drones, sinking two and claiming the lives of four sailors. They also carried out failed attacks against American warships.
The US military campaign persists, with the administration linking its strikes not only to counter-terrorism efforts but also to exert pressure on Iran regarding its advancing nuclear capabilities.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/18/us-airstrikes-on-houthi-oil-port-in-yemen-reportedly-kill-dozens
