US airstrikes on Yemeni fuel port kill 38

Sanaa

The death toll from US airstrikes on Yemen’s Ras Isa fuel port has risen to 38, with 102 others injured, according to Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. The strikes occurred Thursday night and were followed by a second wave shortly after the first, killing five paramedics at the scene.

More than 14 airstrikes hit the port, setting fire to fuel storage tanks. The flames were extinguished hours later. The US Central Command said the port was targeted to cut off fuel supplies and weaken the Houthis’ economic power.

Tensions have escalated since US President Donald Trump ordered strikes in mid-March, after the Houthis announced renewed attacks on Israeli ships in protest of Israel's Gaza blockade.

Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi claimed his group has launched 26 attacks on Israel and 33 strikes on US warships since March 15, using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. The US called those claims “outlandish,” though confirmed over 900 strikes have hit Houthi positions in the past 30 days.

Meanwhile, Israel has intercepted many Houthi projectiles. A Yemeni drone was also intercepted near the Dead Sea in Jordan last week, with no casualties reported.

The Houthis, who control northern Yemen, say their attacks aim to pressure the US and Israel to end Gaza strikes and allow aid into the region. Washington has intensified airstrikes since March to deter further Houthi aggression in the Red Sea.

The situation remains tense as both sides exchange military actions amid rising regional conflict.