U.S. Escalates Strikes on Houthi Targets at Yemen's Key Oil Port

U.S. warplanes launched fresh airstrikes Friday targeting Houthi positions at Yemen's strategic Ras Issa oil terminal in Hodeidah governorate, security sources confirmed.

The strikes hit four militia-controlled sites at the key Red Sea port facility in Al Salif district, according to local sources. The attacks mark the latest in a series of U.S. military actions against the Iran-backed group.

The operation comes as Houthis continue to illegally detain approximately 15 commercial vessels at Ras Issa port. Sources said the Houthis are forcing ships to offload fuel cargo at makeshift docks, violating international maritime laws and U.S. sanctions prohibiting fuel transfers to Houthi-controlled ports.

In a concerning development, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed Thursday that armed Houthi fighters have boarded multiple vessels, fired warning shots, and compelled ships to divert to unauthorized unloading areas.

"These incidents demonstrate the growing danger to commercial shipping in Houthi-controlled ports, where vessels face unlawful detention and restrictions on movement," the UKMTO advisory stated.

The U.S. military previously destroyed Ras Issa's loading infrastructure in an April 17 strike that crippled operations at the vital oil terminal. Friday's attack appears to target remaining Houthi military assets at the site.