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The escalating conflict between Israel and the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen has reached a new boiling point with Israeli airstrikes targeting the strategically important Ras Isa Port. The strikes, part of a broader response to Houthi missile attacks on Israeli territory, resulted in devastating explosions, including massive oil tanks bursting into flames. Eyewitnesses at the scene, a major oil terminal in Western Yemen, described thick black smoke and fire billowing from the damaged tanks, painting a grim picture of the attack's aftermath.
The attack comes as part of a broader pattern of heightened tensions between the two adversaries. Israel's military confirmed the strikes, stating that they targeted both oil facilities and power stations in the port, accusing the Houthi forces of utilizing these sites to transfer Iranian weapons and supplies for military purposes. The strikes were directly linked to recent missile attempts by the Houthis, one of which targeted Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, further intensifying the conflict. The Houthi-controlled Al-Masirah TV reported that the airstrikes claimed the lives of four workers, including a port employee and three engineers. The initial toll also revealed that more than 30 others were injured, with rescue teams continuing their search for those missing after the blasts.
The Ras Isa attack holds significant implications for fuel supplies in Yemen, as the port serves as a critical entry point for oil and humanitarian aid. The disruption of these supplies could exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in the war-torn country. The incident also highlights the escalating nature of the conflict, with Israeli officials stating that no target is off-limits in their pursuit of security. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant's declaration, "No place is too far," underscored Israel's willingness to extend its military operations in response to threats from Iranian-backed groups, setting a dangerous precedent for future military actions in the region.
Source: Watch: New footage captures oil tank explosions in Yemen after Israeli airstrikes