SANAA, Apr 18 (Alliance News): In a significant escalation of its ongoing military campaign, the United States has officially acknowledged launching an airstrike on a key oil installation on Yemen’s west coast, marking the first recognized operation targeting Houthi-controlled economic infrastructure.
According to a statement from the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the strike targeted the Ras Isa Oil Port, a critical fuel facility allegedly used by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels to generate illegal income.
The operation aimed to cripple the Houthi economy and cut off funding sources that support their militant activities.
A spokesman for the Houthi-controlled Ministry of Health claimed on social media that the US airstrike killed at least 38 workers and injured over 102 people present at the site. The figures have not been independently verified.
Ras Isa is one of three major ports on Yemen’s Red Sea coast and serves as a crucial hub for imports and humanitarian aid.
The US military alleges that the Houthis were misusing the facility to store fuel and fund their military operations through illicit trade.
Since mid-March, US forces have carried out a series of airstrikes against the Houthis to stop their repeated attacks on commercial shipping routes in the Red Sea—a vital artery for global trade.
However, this is the first time Washington has acknowledged a direct strike on an economic asset linked to the group.
While the Pentagon initially briefed the media about the objectives of the campaign, it has since remained tight-lipped about operational details, including the number of strikes and their outcomes.
However, US officials claim that the sustained attacks have significantly weakened Houthi leadership and infrastructure.
The latest strike may further intensify tensions in the region, with humanitarian concerns mounting over the targeting of facilities critical to Yemen’s fragile supply chain.
