Deadly US air strikes on Yemen leave dozens dead and over 100 injured

At least 38 people were killed and 102 injured following a series of United States air strikes on Yemen’s Ras Isa oil terminal, according to Houthi-linked media outlets. The strikes, which took place on Thursday, represent one of the deadliest US-led attacks in the region.

Citing the Hodeidah Health Office, Al Masirah TV reported the strikes targeted the critical oil port and caught workers by surprise during regular operations. Among the casualties were civilian port employees and truck drivers.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) acknowledged the operation, stating that its objective was to cripple the Houthis’ financial capabilities by targeting their fuel infrastructure. CENTCOM described the facility as a key revenue source for what it labeled as Iran-backed Houthi “terrorists.”

Despite confirmation of the strikes, the Pentagon refrained from commenting on the growing civilian death toll.

Correspondents on the ground, including Al Jazeera’s Mohammed al-Attab, reported extensive damage across multiple locations, especially near the port. The attack sparked outrage nationwide due to the high number of civilian casualties and the strategic importance of Ras Isa, which plays a vital role in Yemen’s economy and humanitarian aid delivery. Nearly 70 percent of Yemen’s imports and 80 percent of aid pass through Ras Isa, Hodeidah, and as-Salif.

Footage broadcast by Al Masirah TV showed massive explosions and the aftermath, including injured workers and destroyed infrastructure. Some of the videos depicted severe burns among port employees, and one clip included a disturbing image of a deceased civilian.

This marks one of the most lethal operations carried out by US forces in Yemen since the beginning of the ongoing campaign against the Houthis. A similar strike in March reportedly killed over 50 individuals.

The United Nations Development Programme has classified the Ras Isa facility as essential, underscoring its critical role in the country’s economy.

Emergency response teams from the Yemeni Red Crescent and civil defense units were dispatched to assist the wounded and contain the fires.

Houthi official Mohammed Nasser al-Atifi condemned the US action, declaring that it would only reinforce Yemenis’ determination to support Gaza amid the ongoing conflict.

Hours after the US air strikes, Israel reported intercepting a missile fired from Yemen. Since November 2023, the Houthis have launched over 100 attacks on vessels they claim are linked to Israel. The US has vowed to continue its operations until the Houthis halt their Red Sea assaults.