United States has escalated its military actions in Yemen, carrying out bombings in the port area of Ra’s Isa on April 17 and 18. These airstrikes have tragically resulted in approximately 74 civilians killed and over 170 injured, including five humanitarian workers. The offensive has not only caused a devastating loss of human lives, but also significant damage to the port infrastructure, raising serious concerns about possible oil spills in a region already affected by crisis.
Ra’s Isa, a critical oil terminal under Houthi control located just 50 kilometers north of the city of Hodeidah, has a storage capacity of up to three million barrels. The recent escalation of hostilities has triggered international alarms, leading to UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressing deep concerns. Guterres noted that the United Nations has begun mobilizing humanitarian aid to strengthen health centers in the vicinity, in response to the worsening humanitarian situation.
In an official statement, Guterres expressed concern not only about the bombings, but also about the ongoing missile and drone attacks that the Houthis are carrying out against Israel and in the Red Sea. He urged the Houthis to cease these aggressions immediately, emphasizing the need to respect Security Council resolution 2768 (2025), which highlights the illegality of attacks on merchant ships.
The Secretary-General emphasized the importance of adhering to international law, particularly humanitarian law, to ensure the protection of civilians and the integrity of civil infrastructure. As tension rises in the region, Guterres called on all parties to act with restraint and also insisted on the immediate and unconditional release of all UN and other organizations’ personnel who have been arbitrarily detained by the Houthis. Guterres’ words reflect growing fears of further escalation of the conflict in a country already suffering the consequences of years of war and humanitarian crisis.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
