Fri Apr 18 02:03:09 UTC 2025: ## US Airstrikes on Yemeni Oil Port Kill 74, Spark International Tensions
**Dubai, April 18, 2025** – A US airstrike on a Yemeni oil port controlled by Houthi rebels has resulted in the deaths of 74 people and injured 171 more, according to the rebels. This marks the deadliest single incident in the renewed US campaign against the Houthis, which began on March 15th under President Donald Trump.
The attack on the Ras Isa port, which involved a significant fire, represents a major escalation, as it was the first time oil infrastructure has been targeted. US Central Command confirmed the strike, stating it aimed to eliminate a fuel source for the Iran-backed Houthis and deprive them of revenue. However, the command did not acknowledge any civilian casualties.
The Houthis, who released graphic footage of the aftermath, denounced the attack as unjustified aggression against a vital civilian facility. They also launched a missile toward Israel following the strike, which was intercepted by Israeli forces.
The incident further internationalizes the conflict. The US accused a Chinese satellite company, Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co. Ltd., of directly supporting Houthi attacks, a claim China denied. These accusations come ahead of a second round of US-Iran negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear program, a matter linked by the US to the Yemen campaign.
Analysts have highlighted the difficulty in assessing casualties due to limited access to affected areas and conflicting reports from both sides. The US campaign under President Trump appears to be more extensive than its predecessor under President Biden, following a series of Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. These attacks have disrupted trade through the vital Red Sea corridor.
The attack on Ras Isa, and the broader implications for regional stability and international relations, are expected to dominate discussions in the coming days.
First Piper 