U.S. airstrikes on an oil port controlled by Yemen’s Houthi rebels have resulted in the deaths of at least 74 people and injured 171 others, according to reports from local authorities.
The airstrikes targeted the Ras Isa fuel port, a strategic site on Yemen’s Red Sea coast, leading to widespread devastation and heavy casualties.
This incident marks the single deadliest strike since the United States launched its renewed military campaign against Houthi forces in mid-March.
Footage from the scene showed towering flames and thick smoke pouring into the sky as emergency responders worked to contain the fires.
The airstrikes reportedly struck multiple facilities at the port, including storage tanks and critical infrastructure used for fuel operations.
Local sources described scenes of chaos as civilians and workers fled the burning facilities, with many trapped under rubble and debris.
Medical personnel struggled to cope with the influx of wounded, many of whom suffered severe burns and blast injuries.
Hospitals in the nearby areas quickly became overwhelmed, forcing some of the injured to be transferred to makeshift clinics for urgent care.
Witnesses recounted a series of loud explosions that shook nearby towns, with windows shattering miles away from the blast site.
The Ras Isa port is a vital hub for Yemen’s fuel supplies, and its destruction could have severe consequences for the already struggling economy.
The U.S. military has yet to officially confirm the number of casualties but has maintained that the strikes were aimed at disabling Houthi military capabilities.
Local officials have condemned the attack, warning that it could further escalate the ongoing conflict in Yemen and worsen humanitarian conditions.
Several humanitarian organizations have raised concerns about the loss of civilian lives and the potential disruption of vital fuel supplies for hospitals and aid operations.
The renewed air campaign was authorized earlier this year, aimed at pressuring Houthi forces following a series of attacks on regional shipping routes.
Tensions in the region remain high, with fears that continued strikes could lead to wider instability across the Arabian Peninsula.
Residents in nearby villages have been advised to evacuate as concerns about secondary explosions and toxic fumes grow.
Eyewitnesses described the aftermath as resembling a war zone, with charred vehicles, collapsed buildings, and widespread debris.
Political analysts suggest that the strike, given its scale and civilian toll, may complicate diplomatic efforts to broker peace in Yemen.
International observers have called for restraint, urging all parties involved to prioritize the protection of civilians and infrastructure.
As the situation unfolds, emergency crews continue to search through the wreckage in hopes of finding survivors trapped under the ruins.