U.S. Strikes Houthi-Controlled Fuel Port in Yemen's Hodeidah
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Thursday the destruction of the Houthi-controlled Ras Isa fuel port in Yemen, dealing a direct blow to the Iran-backed group’s illicit revenue streams.
In a statement, CENTCOM said the strike aimed to disrupt the Houthis’ ability to fund their militant operations, which have terrorized the region for over a decade. "The Iran-backed Houthis exploit fuel imports to finance their attacks, embezzle profits, and tighten their oppressive grip on the Yemeni people," the command stated.
Despite the Houthis' designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) on April 5, smuggling operations at Ras Isa Port persisted, allowing the group to profit from illegal fuel sales. "These revenues directly fund Houthi terrorism," CENTCOM emphasized.
The U.S. stressed that the operation was not directed at the Yemeni people, who "deserve freedom from Houthi oppression," but rather at crippling the militants’ financial and military capabilities.
CENTCOM issued a stern warning to the Houthis, their Iranian backers, and any enablers: "The world will not tolerate the illicit smuggling of fuel and weapons to a terrorist organizatio
Destruction of Houthi Controlled Ras Isa Fuel Port
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 17, 2025
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