Jobaaj Stories
Dozens Killed in U.S. Airstrikes on Yemen’s Ras Isa Port
At least 38 people were killed and more than 100 others were hurt after U.S. airstrikes hit the Ras Isa oil port in Yemen on April 17, 2025, according to Houthi-controlled media. The strikes were part of an ongoing U.S. military effort to weaken the Houthi group, which the U.S. says is supported by Iran.
The U.S. Central Command confirmed the strikes, explaining they were meant to shut down Houthi access to critical fuel sources used to fund and operate their military activities. The airstrikes targeted underground fuel storage facilities at the port.
Houthis Condemn Attack and Respond with Missile
In response to the U.S. attack, Houthi forces launched a missile toward Israel. Israeli defense forces said the missile was successfully intercepted and no damage was reported.
Houthi officials have condemned the airstrikes, calling them a violation of Yemen's national sovereignty. They also claimed the attacks hit civilian areas and damaged vital infrastructure, including fuel facilities that supply much of northern Yemen.
Part of Larger U.S. Campaign Against Houthi Threat
This recent airstrike is part of a wider military campaign launched by the U.S. in March 2025, during President Donald Trump’s current term in office. The goal of the campaign is to limit the Houthis’ ability to carry out attacks on international shipping routes and destabilize the region.
Since late 2023, the Houthis have attacked more than 100 commercial vessels in the Red Sea, saying they are supporting Palestinians in Gaza by targeting Israeli-linked ships. Their actions have caused major disruptions to global shipping and trade in the region.
Red Sea Trade Remains at Risk
The Red Sea is a critical route for international shipping. Attacks by the Houthis have forced many shipping companies to reroute their vessels, causing delays and raising shipping costs worldwide.
U.S. officials argue that disabling the Houthis' fuel supply is one of the few ways to stop their attacks on global trade. However, critics warn that the airstrikes risk escalating the already tense situation in Yemen and may worsen the humanitarian crisis.
Civilian Toll and International Reaction
Human rights groups and international organizations have expressed concern about the rising number of civilian casualties in the conflict. The airstrikes have once again highlighted the fragile situation in Yemen, where years of war have led to food shortages, poverty, and displacement.
While the U.S. maintains that it targets only military infrastructure, reports from the ground suggest that civilians are often caught in the crossfire. Global leaders are urging restraint and calling for diplomatic solutions to avoid further bloodshed.
