US strikes destroy key Yemen port, 'economic source of power' of Iran-backed Houthis

The United States military announced on Thursday it conducted strikes to "destroy" Yemen 's key Ras Isa Port. The objective of the action, it said, was to "degrade" the port, an "economic source of power" of the Houthis .

The US military's Central Command ( CENTCOM ) carried out the strikes.

In a statement on its X handle, CENTCOM said, " The Iran-backed Houthis use fuel to sustain their military operations, as a weapon of control, and to benefit economically from embezzling the profits from the import. This fuel should be legitimately supplied to the people of Yemen."

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

It added that despite the US State Department designating the Ansarallah (Houthis) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, ships continued to supply fuel via Ras Isa.

CENTCOM stated, "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 Houthis continue to exploit and bring great pain upon their fellow countrymen. This strike was not intended to harm the people of Yemen, who rightly want to live peacefully."

It also warned the Yemen rebels, their "masters" Iran, and others who abet their terrorist actions that "the world will not accept illicit smuggling of fuel and war material to a terrorist organization."

Houthis' repeated attacks have prevented ships from passing through the Suez Canal - a vital route which normally carries about 12 per cent of the world's shipping traffic - forcing many companies into a costly detour around the tip of southern Africa.

The United States first began conducting strikes against the Houthis under the Joe Biden administration. Biden's successor Donald Trump has vowed that military action against the rebels would continue until they are no longer a threat to shipping.