US airstrikes in Yemen’s Oil Port, fuelling worldwide tension
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Hashim Sheikh
- . April 19, 2025
- . Update: April 19, 2025 4:54 pm
The US airstrikes allegations against the Houthis ovet 9O dead and over 170 others wounded in what has been a serious and great escalation in the ongoing war between rebels and statehood in that country. The sky was illuminated with massive fireballs as the oil tankers were turned into wrecks burning before the eyes of the onlookers.
This marks the first such attack by the US against a Houthi-run oil facility in the past month when President Donald Trump authorized a new bombing campaign against the Iran-backed group.
Why Did the US Attack
Washington has charged the Houthis with carrying out vicious attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and against Israel. The Red Sea is an important artery for world commerce, and this has caused world concern. Besides, the Houthis are among the last forces in what is called the “Axis of Resistance” of Iran regularly attacking Israel.
Significantly, this strike comes before the resumption of negotiations between the US and Iran in Rome regarding nuclear talks. Hence, many think this may link Washington’s Yeman moves to countering Iran’s evolving nuclear program.
Importance of Ras Isa Port
This is not just any oil port. It is the lifeline for the Houthi-controlled Yemen-from its fuel, homes, hospitals, and daily transport runs. Experts believe an attack on this port will cause an outright fuel crisis, these affected areas will have normal life disrupted for thousands of civilians.
The footages were shown by the Houthi insurgents on the Al-Masirah TV channel, labeling the attack “completely unjustified aggression” and showing some frightening footages filmed shortly after the attack. Among those were wrecked tankers, burnt-out vehicles, and corpses scattered across the port.
An Adverse Turning Point
This, however, may also ignite the conflagration across the Middle East. With every indication that US would clamp down militarily, uncertainty increases, having failed to wrap up its tidiest round of nuclear talks with Iran. Yemen, with its years of war, poverty, and human calamity, now finds itself nursing yet another headache.