U.S. Airstrikes in Yemen Kill 33, Wound 80 in Escalating Campaign Against Houthis

Washington/Sana’a — A series of U.S. airstrikes targeting Yemen’s Houthi-controlled Ras Isa oil port reportedly killed 33 people and injured at least 80 others, according to Houthi-affiliated media outlets on Friday. If verified, it would mark one of the deadliest single days since the United States began its latest military campaign against the Iran-backed group on March 15 under the administration of President Donald Trump.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the strike on Ras Isa but did not acknowledge any casualties. In a statement, the military said the operation was designed to disrupt “illegal revenue streams” that have allegedly financed the Houthis’ operations to “terrorize the region for over a decade.”

“This strike was not intended to harm the people of Yemen, who rightly want to throw off the yoke of Houthi subjugation and live peacefully,” the statement added.

Footage aired by the Houthis’ al-Masirah television channel showed graphic scenes from the site, including widespread destruction, burning debris, and the bodies of what it claimed were civilian workers and first responders. The port, a key node in Yemen’s fragile energy infrastructure, reportedly suffered significant damage, with fires and secondary explosions further complicating rescue efforts.

The U.S. State Department had issued a warning on April 9, cautioning international actors against involvement in oil transactions at Houthi-controlled ports. “The United States will not tolerate any country or commercial entity providing support to foreign terrorist organizations, such as the Houthis, including offloading ships and provisioning oil,” the statement read.

The ongoing American campaign against the Houthis has intensified in recent weeks, moving beyond launch sites to include targeted strikes on personnel and strategic infrastructure. A recent review by the Associated Press suggests that the scope of the current operation under President Trump surpasses that seen during the Biden administration.

The resurgence in airstrikes follows renewed threats from the Houthis to target Israeli-linked maritime assets, citing Israel’s blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza. However, the group’s definition of “Israeli” vessels has been loosely interpreted, increasing the risk to a broad swath of international shipping.

Between November 2023 and January 2024, the Houthis launched more than 100 attacks on merchant ships using missiles and drones, sinking two vessels and killing at least four sailors. The group also attempted direct strikes on U.S. Navy warships, though these were reportedly unsuccessful.

The Trump administration has signaled that the military pressure on the Houthis is also part of a broader strategy aimed at countering Iranian influence in the region, particularly in light of Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program.

Despite mounting international concern over the humanitarian fallout, the U.S. campaign shows no immediate signs of de-escalation.