Why it matters:
The U.S. airstrikes on civilian infrastructure in Yemen mark a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict, raising international concerns about the targeting of non-military sites and the growing humanitarian toll.
What he's saying:
The Yemeni Ministry of Health in Al-Hudaydah province reported early Friday that “so far, 38 civilians have been martyred and 102 others injured in Thursday night’s U.S. airstrikes on the Ras Issa port and oil facilities.” The ministry warned that the number of casualties is expected to rise due to the severity of the bombings.
Key points:
- The U.S. airstrikes on Ras Issa reflect a significant intensification of U.S. operations in the region, targeting strategic infrastructure far from direct combat zones.
- Striking the Ras Issa oil port—critical for Yemen's economy and energy supply—could have lasting effects on the country's already fragile economic and humanitarian conditions, and may further destabilize Red Sea maritime security.
Go deeper:
Ras Issa is one of Yemen’s most strategic oil export hubs located on the Red Sea. The port has been a flashpoint in the conflict due to its economic and geopolitical significance. While the U.S. has claimed previous interventions in Yemen targeted military objectives, this latest attack has sparked fresh debate about the legality and morality of such strikes, especially as they increasingly affect civilians and vital infrastructure. Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned that Yemen remains on the brink of a large-scale crisis, exacerbated by foreign military involvement.
ahmad shirzadian
