Deadliest Attack in Yemen: Satellite Footage Shows Destruction at Ras Isa Fuel Terminal

Overview of the Attack

A significant strike has occurred at the Ras Isa fuel terminal in Yemen, which has been reported as the deadliest within a series of U.S. military operations against Houthi rebels. Following a night of airstrikes, the Houthis claimed that approximately 250 people were killed or injured in the attacks. Subsequently, they issued a direct threat to former U.S. President Donald Trump, stating, “Your hell is near.”

Satellite imagery analyzed by the Associated Press confirms the destruction at the terminal, highlighting burning fuel tanks and obliterated vehicles critical to the Houthis’ economic activities.

Objectives of the U.S. Operations

The primary goal of the U.S. military strikes was to sever the Houthis’ fuel supply, especially after a Houthi missile was intercepted, which followed a night of notable American airstrikes. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the intent was to disrupt the economic resources that the Houthis rely on to sustain their operations. The Ras Isa terminal, operational for around 40 years, has significant storage capacity, able to hold up to 3 million barrels of oil.

A spokesperson from the U.S. military declared, “We have destroyed the fuel terminal with the intent to impact the economic power base of the Houthis who have been exploiting their country and causing immense pain.”

Casualties and Response

In the aftermath of the airstrikes, the Houthis reported that 74 people were killed, and 171 were injured, marking this incident as exceptionally lethal amidst the ongoing military campaign against them. Rescue teams were actively searching for survivors and victims amidst the rubble, as noted by officials from the Houthi-controlled health ministry.

The attacks prompted immediate alerts in various regions, including central Israel, as a missile was launched from Yemen, which was successfully intercepted by the Arrow 3 missile defense system.

Houthi Reaction and Propaganda

In response to these developments, the Houthi media outlet Al-Masirah released a propaganda video aimed at Trump, referring to him as “the misguided infidel.” The rebels, aligned with Iran, declared their unwavering support for Palestine, suggesting, “Even if you bomb us a million times and set the land ablaze, we will not retreat an inch from supporting our brothers in Gaza and Palestine.”

Despite the ongoing U.S. military action and a large demonstration in the Yemeni capital of Sana’a, the Houthis continue to assert their commitment to combating perceived aggressors.

Context and Historical Significance

The Ras Isa terminal has remained crucial to Houthi operations since the group ousted the Yemeni government from Sana’a in 2015, leading to a devastating civil war that has spanned over a decade. With the halting of oil exports, the Houthis have utilized the terminal to smuggle fuel into the country, generating illegal revenues that have been funneled into their military efforts.

The U.S. military emphasized that their operations are not aimed at harming civilians in Yemen, who rightfully seek peace and stability without Houthi influence. They reiterated that any illegal trafficking of fuel and armaments to a terrorist organization would not be tolerated.

This strike represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict and the complexities surrounding U.S. involvement in the region. The situation underscores the broader implications of the war in Yemen, where economic and humanitarian crises continue to unfold amidst military confrontations