U.S. forces carried out a series of airstrikes Thursday targeting a key fuel port used by Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
The port, located at Ras Isa along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, was described by CENTCOM as a major hub for generating “illegal revenue” that has long sustained Houthi terrorist operations in the region.
The strike came less than two weeks after the Houthis were officially re-designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in January.
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The designation took effect on April 5, reversing a controversial 2021 move by the Biden-Harris administration that had removed the group from the list.
In a statement released Thursday, CENTCOM said that the Ras Isa facility continued to be used to transport and sell fuel despite the formal terror classification, with proceeds from those sales directly funding Houthi operations.
“Despite the Foreign Terrorist Designation that went into effect on 05 April, ships have continued to supply fuel via the port of Ras Isa.
Profits from these illegal sales are directly funding and sustaining Houthi terrorist efforts,” the command stated.
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“Today, US forces took action to eliminate this source of fuel for the Iran-backed Houthi terrorists and deprive them of illegal revenue that has funded Houthi efforts to terrorize the entire region for over 10 years,” the statement continued.
“The objective of these strikes was to degrade the economic source of power of the Houthis, who continue to exploit and bring great pain upon their fellow countrymen.”
CENTCOM emphasized that the strike was aimed specifically at Houthi operations and not the people of Yemen.
“This strike was not intended to harm the people of Yemen, who rightly want to throw off the yoke of Houthi subjugation and live peacefully,” the command added.
Destruction of Houthi Controlled Ras Isa Fuel Port
The Houthis have continued to benefit economically and militarily from countries and companies that provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. The Iran-backed Houthis use fuel to sustain their… pic.twitter.com/SRiELV4juk
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 17, 2025
Graphic footage circulating on social media appeared to show large fires burning at the fuel facility, with one visible body reportedly lying on the ground.
🚨BREAKING: The U.S. Air Force heavily bombed Yemen’s Ras Isa fuel port, controlled by the Houthis, two hours ago.
Over 38 Houthi terrorists ELIMINATED.
🇺🇸🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/pxFB2TkmaQ
— Vivid.🇮🇱 (@VividProwess) April 18, 2025
According to Houthi-run media cited by Reuters, the airstrike resulted in the deaths of at least 38 individuals and injured more than 100 others.
Thursday’s action is part of a broader campaign launched by the U.S. military last month in response to the Houthis’ repeated assaults on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
The attacks have disrupted global trade and endangered international shipping routes, prompting a swift military response.
President Trump, who resumed military operations against Houthi targets, has taken a direct stance against the group and its Iranian backers.
In a Truth Social post last month, Trump issued a stark warning to the Houthis as the U.S. began its bombing campaign.
“To all Houthi terrorists, YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON’T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!” Trump wrote.
🚨MESSAGE FROM POTUS🚨
“To all Houthi terrorists, YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON’T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!
To Iran: Support for the Houthi terrorists must end IMMEDIATELY! Do NOT threaten… pic.twitter.com/w7UIVzdXZx
— ⚔ X⃨C⃨A⃨L⃨I⃨B⃨E⃨R⃨ ⚔ (@XCaliberCEO) March 16, 2025
The president pointed to the significant financial and human costs of the group’s aggression, noting that their “relentless assaults have cost the US and World Economy many BILLIONS of Dollars while, at the same time, putting innocent lives at risk.”
CENTCOM echoed the administration’s message in its Thursday statement, directing a warning to the Houthis, their Iranian sponsors, and any facilitators of their operations.
“The world will not accept illicit smuggling of fuel and war material to a terrorist organization,” the statement read.
“This strike should serve as a warning to the Houthis, their Iranian masters, and those who knowingly aid and abet their terrorist actions.”
The U.S. military has not confirmed whether additional operations are planned, but Thursday’s strike marks one of the most significant blows to Houthi logistical infrastructure in recent months.
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