United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over the recent U.S. airstrikes targeting Yemen’s strategic Ras Isa oil terminal, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of 80 people, according to the Houthi rebel movement.
In a statement released by UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres condemned the April 17–18 air raids carried out by the United States, which caused not only civilian casualties—including five injured humanitarian workers—but also posed a serious environmental threat.
“The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the airstrikes carried out by the U.S. around and on the Yemeni port of Ras Isa,” Dujarric stated, highlighting concerns over potential oil spills in the Red Sea caused by the damage.
These strikes mark some of the deadliest in the U.S. campaign against Houthi targets, a military operation launched by former President Donald Trump on March 15.
According to a statement from the U.S. government, the attacks aimed to eliminate a key source of illicit income for the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, designated by the U.S. as a terrorist group. The Houthis had been using the port to finance operations against regional and international interests.
Background of the Conflict
Since the start of the Israel–Hamas war on October 7, 2023, the Houthis have escalated missile and drone attacks in solidarity with Palestinians, targeting Israeli territory and commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Although a ceasefire took effect on January 19, Houthi leaders recently vowed to resume their campaign unless Israel halts its military operations in Gaza.
In response, the Trump administration announced a major offensive against the Houthis to safeguard international maritime trade routes and deter further destabilization in the region.
