People inspect a building hit by US airstrikes in Sana'a, Yemen, during ongoing attacks on Huthi targets. (Photo: Mohammed Hamoud/Getty Images)
EPICSTORIAN — At least 58 people were reportedly killed and 126 wounded after a US airstrike targeted the Ras Issa oil terminal in Yemen’s western Hodeida province, according to the Huthis’ Al-Masirah TV channel.
The deadly incident marks the most lethal attack of Washington’s sustained air campaign against the Iran-aligned rebel group in Yemen.
Citing rebel-controlled health authorities, the television report called the victims “martyrs”, accusing the United States of deliberately targeting civilians at a critical infrastructure site in Hodeida, a key stronghold of the Huthis.
“The death toll from the American enemy’s targeting of the Ras Issa facility has risen to 58 martyrs and 126 wounded,” Al-Masirah reported.
US Says Strike Aimed at Disrupting Huthi Funding and Attacks
The US military confirmed an overnight strike in Yemen, stating the operation aimed to cut off “a significant source of revenue and supplies” used by the Huthis to finance and sustain their attacks on commercial shipping in regional waters.
Since March 15, the United States has conducted nearly daily air raids on Huthi targets in what it describes as a “defensive effort” to safeguard Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping lanes from drone and missile assaults linked to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
A statement from US Central Command said the strike was “conducted in line with international law,” and emphasized efforts to avoid civilian casualties. However, no comment was made regarding the number of deaths reported by the Huthis.
Ras Issa Facility Becomes Latest Flashpoint in Escalating Conflict
The Ras Issa fuel terminal, located along the western coastline, is vital for Yemen’s oil distribution and a critical revenue stream for the Huthis, who have maintained control over much of northern and western Yemen since 2014.
This latest strike comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East, where the conflict in Gaza has led to increased Huthi aggression against vessels perceived to be linked to Israel, the United States, or its allies. The group has vowed to continue attacks in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, despite mounting international condemnation and US military pressure.
Civilian Casualties Spark Outrage in Hodeida
Witnesses and local journalists in Hodeida reported chaotic scenes following the strike, with emergency services overwhelmed and hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of casualties.
Graphic videos and images shared by Al-Masirah showed smoldering wreckage and charred bodies near the facility, although independent verification remains difficult due to restricted access to the area.
Rights groups have called for an independent investigation into the strike, citing the scale of civilian impact reported.
