U.S. army warplanes late Thursday bombed Yemen’s Ras Isa oil port, killing at the very least 58 folks, together with 5 well being employees, and injuring over 100 others, in keeping with Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV.
The loss of life toll is anticipated to rise as emergency groups proceed rescue efforts by means of smoldering wreckage and thick smoke.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed focusing on the Red Sea gasoline hub, calling it a key supply of funding for Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
“These strikes were aimed at degrading the Houthis’ economic engine – used to terrorize the region for over a decade,” CENTCOM mentioned in an announcement on X.
Images aired by Al-Masirah early Friday confirmed an orange fireball engulfing the port, smoke choking the sky, and rescue groups combing by means of particles in what the community labeled the “first images of U.S. aggression.”
Health Ministry spokesperson Anees Alasbahi mentioned the useless included paramedics, whereas dozens of port employees have been severely wounded. “Body parts are still being identified,” he added grimly.
The Houthis have stepped up missile and drone strikes on business and army targets since late 2023, vowing solidarity with Palestinians beneath siege in Gaza.
On Friday, Israel mentioned it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen.
The U.S. and allies like France have responded with near-daily retaliatory strikes since March, aiming to safe the very important Suez Canal delivery route – liable for roughly 12% of worldwide maritime commerce.
Despite the U.S. designating the Houthis a terrorist group earlier this 12 months, gasoline deliveries through Ras Isa continued.
CENTCOM accused the group of embezzling gasoline income to bankroll violence and exert management inside Yemen.
French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu introduced Thursday {that a} French frigate within the Red Sea shot down a drone launched from Yemen, vowing continued safety of maritime freedom.
Washington additionally turned its sights on Beijing, accusing Chinese satellite tv for pc agency Chang Guang Satellite Technology of supplying imagery to the Houthis. “This is yet another example of China’s empty peace claims,” mentioned U.S. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce.
Civil protection crews are nonetheless battling to extinguish the blaze at Ras Isa, one among Yemen’s predominant oil export terminals on the Red Sea coast.
The port has lengthy been essential to each Yemen’s financial system and the Houthis’ funding community.
President Donald Trump final month vowed “decisive and powerful” army motion in opposition to the Houthis, threatening to “completely annihilate them” if assaults proceed.
The Houthis briefly paused their maritime offensives throughout a January cease-fire in Gaza however resumed them after Israel restarted airstrikes on the enclave.
More than 51,000 folks, largely girls and kids, have been killed by Israeli assaults in Gaza over the past 18 months.
Source: www.dailysabah.com