US Military Destroys Strategic Houthi Port

The US military has announced the destruction of the Houthi-controlled Ras Isa Fuel Port.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) recently reported the port’s destruction, caused by US air strikes. 

CENTCOM alleged the strikes were surgical and intended to deprive the Houthis of revenue from illicit oil and shipping sales. 

“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,” reads a CENTCOM statement. “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.”

Houthi health officials claim over 70 individuals present at the oil port during the strikes were killed.

The Houthis, an Iran-backed Yemeni terror group, have been targeting US, Israeli, and allies’ ships since Hamas’ October 7th, 2023 attacks. 

Houthi forces have orchestrated drone and missile attacks against US military and commercial ships and increasingly directly attacked Israel’s civilian population.

During former President Joe Biden’s administration, it is estimated the Houthis attacked US military and commercial ships over 300 times. 

President Donald Trump vowed to pursue a “maximum pressure campaign” against Iran, the Houthis, and other associated terror groups. 

In recent months, the US has attempted to corner the Houthis with financial and military pressure including sanctions and air strikes. 

The Houthis, however, have attempted to circumvent US pressure by conducting covert oil, military, and commercial transactions. 

Last week the US State Department warned groups and countries against cooperating with the Houthis. 

State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce alluded to potential consequences for any countries cooperating with the Houthis by claiming such actions “risk violating US law.”

Spokesperson Bruce singled out Chinese company Chang Guang Satellite Technology Limited (CGSTL) for supplying the Houthis with satellite data used to strike US and allied targets. 

Bruce derided CGSTL’s actions and warned of consequences for them and other companies supporting the Houthis. 

“The United States will not tolerate anyone providing support to foreign terrorist organizations, such as the Houthis,” said Bruce.