Fri Apr 18 02:03:09 UTC 2025: ## US Airstrikes Kill 20 at Yemeni Oil Port, Sparking International Tension

**Dubai, April 18, 2025** – A US airstrike targeting a Yemeni oil port controlled by Houthi rebels has resulted in the deaths of 20 people and injuries to 50 more, according to the Houthi group. The attack, confirmed by US Central Command, is one of the deadliest in a campaign launched in March 2025 under President Trump. The US military justified the strike as an effort to cut off fuel supplies to the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, thereby disrupting their funding and ability to “terrorize the region.”

Graphic footage released by the Houthi-run al-Masirah news channel shows the aftermath of the attack, which included a large explosion and subsequent fires. The Houthis claim that paramedics and civilian port workers were among the casualties. The US statement made no mention of civilian casualties.

The airstrikes follow a US State Department warning issued on April 9th regarding oil shipments to Yemen and the Houthis’ threats to target Israeli ships in response to Israel’s blockade of aid to Gaza. The Houthis’ attacks on merchant vessels, including two sinkings and four sailor deaths, between November 2023 and January 2025, further escalated the conflict. The US campaign is also seen as an attempt to pressure Iran over its nuclear program. The future of the airstrike campaign remains uncertain.

Read More