Barran Press
The U.S. military reported Thursday, April 17, that it destroyed a key fuel facility at the Ras Issa oil terminal in Hodeidah province, a Houthi-controlled area in western Yemen.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated the operation aimed to disrupt a significant revenue source funding the Iran-backed Houthis' military activities and regional attacks.
CENTCOM asserted that the Houthis, designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the U.S., have continued illicit fuel imports through Ras Issa despite a ban. The U.S. emphasized the need for lawful fuel imports to reach the Yemeni population, not armed groups. The statement added that the Houthis exploit fuel for military and economic gain, profiting from smuggled imports.
Earlier reports from Houthi-run media confirmed multiple U.S. airstrikes on Ras Issa. The operation followed U.S. warnings on April 9 against dealing with Houthi-controlled ports, citing violations of U.S. law. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce reiterated that the U.S. would not tolerate support for the Houthis, including fueling or servicing ships in their ports.
The Treasury Department recently revoked fuel import waivers for Houthi-held areas due to the group's ongoing attacks on international shipping. The March 5 FTO designation fulfilled a pledge by President Donald Trump, who cited the Houthis’ threat to U.S. interests in Executive Order 14175. Since March 15, the U.S. has intensified airstrikes against Houthi targets across multiple provinces to weaken their military and financial capabilities.