WASHINGTON — At least 38 people were killed in US airstrikes on a fuel port in Yemen on Thursday (April 17), according to Houthi-run media, marking one of the deadliest days since the US began its campaign against the Iran-aligned group. The United States has pledged to continue its widespread air operations—its largest in the Middle East since President Donald Trump took office in January—unless the Houthis stop targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

Houthi broadcaster Al Masirah reported that Thursday's strikes on the Ras Isa fuel port in western Yemen also left 102 people injured. The US military said the strikes were intended to disrupt a key fuel supply supporting Houthi activities. In response to a Reuters request for information regarding casualty numbers, US Central Command declined to provide updated figures beyond the initial statement about the strikes.

“These operations are aimed at weakening the Houthis’ economic capabilities, which they use to harm their own population,” the military said in a post on X. Since November 2023, the Houthis have launched numerous drone and missile attacks on ships passing through the Red Sea, claiming to target vessels linked to Israel in protest of the conflict in Gaza. They paused these attacks during a temporary truce in Gaza but vowed to resume once hostilities reignited last month—though they haven't claimed any strikes since. In a previous wave of US strikes in March, more than 50 people were reportedly killed, according to Houthi officials.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.