With the destruction of the oil port of Ras Isa, the US military is deliberately targeting the financial structure of the Houthi militia – and further escalating the conflict in Yemen. The Houthis speak of at least 20 dead.

According to its own statements, the US military has destroyed the oil port of Ras Isa in western Yemen, which was controlled by the Houthi militia, in a targeted air strike. In an official statement, the US Central Command (CENTCOM), which is responsible for the region, said the operation was aimed at depriving the Iran-backed militia of a key economic lifeline. According to CENTCOM, fuel was regularly imported through the port, with the proceeds going directly to finance the Houthis’ military operations.

In the statement, the US armed forces emphasized that they wanted to weaken the economic power of the Houthis, as they were not only buying weapons but also exploiting and harming their own people. The statement was published on the official website of the US military command, among others, and subsequently confirmed by several international media outlets.

Houthis speak of dozens of dead – figures cannot be independently verified

Immediately after the attack, a spokesperson for the Houthi-controlled Ministry of Health spoke out. He reported at least 20 dead and around 50 injured as a result of the bombing. These figures were published by the Associated Press news agency, citing local sources. Independent verification was not initially possible. In addition, the militia reported further attacks on strategic infrastructure near the port city of Hodeida, which is also under Houthi control.

The US has not yet commented on possible civilian casualties. The Pentagon also did not provide any information on the weapons systems used or the course of the operation.

Background: Why Ras Isa is important

The port of Ras Isa, located on the west coast of Yemen, is considered one of the most important transshipment points for fuel deliveries in the Houthi-controlled part of the country. According to US analysts, revenues from trade there finance not only internal logistics, but also missile and drone attacks, which have been increasingly directed against Western-linked merchant ships in the Red Sea since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023.

The connection between the Houthis and Iran has been repeatedly highlighted by the US military. As reported by Bild.de, the attack on Ras Isa is part of a larger US strategy aimed at targeting the militia’s logistical and financial infrastructure in order to prevent its attacks on international shipping.

US strengthens economic targets

According to further information from the Associated Press, the US has significantly expanded its air strikes in Yemen since March 2025. Over 200 attacks are said to have taken place in the past four weeks alone – the majority of them not against combat positions, but against economically relevant targets such as oil depots, warehouses, and supply hubs.

CENTCOM also said in background talks that economic pressure would play a greater role in the future in order to reduce the military power of the Houthis in the long term.