Yemen’s Houthis vow to continue attacks after more than 70 killed in US airstrikes on port

The death toll from US airstrikes on an oil port in western Yemen has risen to at least 74 people, the Houthi-run health ministry reported, marking one of the deadliest days since the United States escalated its aerial military campaign against the Iranian-backed group in recent weeks.

The death toll from US airstrikes on an oil port in western Yemen has risen to at least 74 people, the Houthi-run health ministry reported, marking one of the deadliest days since the United States escalated its aerial military campaign against the Iranian-backed group in recent weeks. US Central Command said Thursday the strikes on Ras Isa fuel port in Hodeidah province were aimed at cutting off revenue to the Houthis, adding the port has been used as a source of illicit profits to the group. “The objective of these strikes was to degrade the economic source of power of the Houthis, who continue to exploit and bring great pain upon their fellow countrymen,” the US Central Command said in a statement. “This strike was not intended to harm the people of Yemen.” Some 171 others were wounded, the health ministry said Friday. CNN reached out to the Pentagon for comment regarding the reported toll and was directed to the US Central Command’s earlier statement. Houthi rebels vowed on Friday to continue their military operations against Israel and US forces in the region.