US military has destroyed the key Ras Isa fuel port in western Yemen
The US military has destroyed the key Ras Isa fuel port in western Yemen, a crucial facility used by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels to supply fuel for their military operations and to generate illegal revenue. The strikes were conducted by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) as part of an ongoing air campaign aimed at degrading the Houthis’ economic power and cutting off their fuel supply, which sustains their military activities and control in the region.
The operation targeted Ras Isa to prevent the Houthis from benefiting economically and militarily from fuel imports, which also impacts their ability to attack commercial shipping in the Red Sea—a vital global trade route.
The attack on Ras Isa resulted in significant destruction of the port facilities, with reports of major fires and at least 17 people killed. The US military emphasized that the strikes were not intended to harm the Yemeni population, who rely on legitimate fuel supplies, but rather to stop the Houthis from exploiting the port for their terrorist activities.
This strike is part of a broader campaign initiated in March 2025, which includes air and naval operations targeting Houthi infrastructure to compel them to cease attacks on shipping lanes. The US has also increased its military presence in the region with carrier strike groups and bombers to support these efforts. The campaign reflects ongoing tensions involving Iranian support for the Houthis and concerns over regional security and maritime trade.
