At least 58 people were killed and over 120 injured after a U.S. airstrike struck the Ras Isa fuel port in Yemen on 17 April 2025, according to media sources affiliated with the Houthi movement. The attack marks one of the deadliest incidents in the region this year.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the strike, stating that the operation targeted infrastructure used by Houthi forces to fund and support military operations. According to CENTCOM, the port played a role in generating revenue for the Iran-aligned group, which has been responsible for recent missile and drone attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
The Houthis, who control large parts of northern Yemen, condemned the strike and described it as a violation of international law. They maintain that the Ras Isa facility is essential for Yemen’s fuel imports and humanitarian needs, and claim that the strike further worsens the country’s already severe humanitarian crisis.
The airstrike is part of a wider U.S. military campaign launched earlier this year aimed at deterring Houthi attacks on global trade routes. These attacks have increased since the outbreak of the Israel–Hamas war in 2023, with the Houthis claiming their actions are a form of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Several missiles have also been launched toward Israel, though most were intercepted or failed to reach their target.
The U.S. and its allies argue that such actions by the Houthis threaten regional stability and endanger international maritime operations in one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors.
The situation remains tense, and international observers warn of the risk of escalation across the wider Middle East. As of now, no official casualty figures have been independently verified, and humanitarian organisations are assessing the broader impact on Yemen’s already fragile infrastructure.
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