A massive explosion struck an oil tank at the port of Hodeidah on the Red Sea coast early Wednesday, days after Israeli airstrikes hit the area.
Local sources reported hearing a loud blast in Hodeidah as flames reached one of the fuel tanks at the port’s oil facilities.
Eyewitnesses described seeing towering flames and thick smoke filling the sky over the port, indicating the severity of the blaze.
Efforts to contain the fire were unsuccessful, leading to the explosion.
The explosion followed Israeli airstrikes on Hodeidah port last Saturday, which resulted in the deaths of nine civilians, injuries to 87 others, and left three missing, according to Houthi-affiliated media.
The airstrikes caused significant material damage and heightened tensions in the region.
Hodeidah port is a crucial lifeline for Yemen, handling around 70% of the country’s imports, including food, fuel, and humanitarian aid.
The port has been a focal point in the Yemen conflict, which has seen the Houthi rebels and the Saudi-led coalition clashing repeatedly since the civil war escalated in 2015.
The conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions facing famine and a lack of basic services.
The recent Israeli airstrikes on Hodeidah were reportedly aimed at disrupting supply lines and military infrastructure controlled by the Houthi rebels.
Israel has previously accused the Houthis of receiving support from Iran and posing a threat to maritime security in the Red Sea region.
The explosion and subsequent damage to the oil facilities exacerbate an already dire situation for Yemen, where fuel shortages have been crippling the economy and humanitarian efforts.
The international community has repeatedly called for de-escalation and the protection of civilian infrastructure in Yemen, urging parties to return to the negotiating table to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
