On April 18, 2025, a U.S. airstrike targeted the Ras Isa oil port in Yemen, killing at least 74 people and injuring 171, according to Houthi rebels. This marks the deadliest strike in a month-long campaign by President Donald Trump’s administration against the Iranian-backed Houthis. The airstrike caused major damage, turning tanker trucks into wrecks and setting off large fires.
The U.S. claims the port was being used to fund Houthi operations, including attacks on Red Sea shipping and on Israel. The strike also comes just before U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Rome, highlighting broader regional tensions. The Houthis called the attack unjustified and aired graphic footage of the aftermath.
The Ras Isa port is vital for importing fuel to Houthi-controlled areas, and analysts say its destruction could severely affect civilian life. Meanwhile, the Houthis launched a missile at Israel after the strike, and claimed to have shot down a U.S. drone.
This escalation comes as the U.S. accuses a Chinese satellite firm of helping the Houthis target ships. The Chinese government denied knowledge of the claim. The port strike underscores the expanding scope of Trump’s campaign, which analysts say is more aggressive than under Biden. The full human toll remains unclear due to limited information from both sides.