The U.S. military has announced that it destroyed a fuel terminal at the Red Sea port of Ras Isa in Yemen, targeting what it described as a key supply and revenue source for the Iran-backed Houthi movement. The strike is part of an ongoing campaign to disrupt the Houthis’ operational capabilities, particularly their access to fuel and funding that support their attacks in the region.

According to Houthi sources, at least 38 people were killed in the strike, including several paramedics who were responding to the scene. While U.S. officials have confirmed the strike, they have not yet commented on the reported casualties. Reuters noted that U.S. authorities did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the death toll.

This latest attack comes amid a sharp escalation in U.S. military operations against the Houthis, which intensified about a month ago. The increased military action follows months of Houthi assaults on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden-attacks that began in the aftermath of the Israel-Gaza conflict that erupted in October 2023.

Houthi attacks have caused significant disruption to global shipping, sinking vessels and forcing many companies to reroute away from the Red Sea, a critical corridor that handles nearly 15% of global seaborne trade. The U.S. has responded with a series of targeted strikes, including one operation that drew attention after a journalist was accidentally added to a Signal group chat involving top U.S. officials.

US officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the death toll provided by the Houthi media, Reuters news agency reported.The Iran-backed Houthi rebels began attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden after the start of the Israel-Gaza war in October 2023.

The attacks have sunk vessels and forced many shipping companies to stop using the Red Sea - a major global trade route through which almost 15% of seaborne trade passes.In the last month, the US has increased its attacks on Houthi targets in Yemen, including an operation that was revealed in a Signal chat when a journalist was inadvertently added to a group of top officials.

Madina Mammadova\\EDnews