HODEIDA, Apr 18: US strikes on a Yemeni fuel port killed at least 74 people, Huthi rebels said Friday, in the deadliest attack of Washington's 15-month campaign against the Iran-backed group.
The strikes on Ras Issa aimed at cutting off supplies and funds for the rebels that control large swathes of the Arabian Peninsula's poorest country, the United States military said.
Images broadcast by a Huthi-run television station showed large blazes lighting up the night sky, following the latest in an intensified barrage of attacks under US President Donald Trump.
Huthi health ministry spokesman Anees Alasbahi said rescuers were still searching for victims at the fuel terminal on the Red Sea, suggesting the number of dead could rise.
"The death toll... has risen to 74 martyrs and 171 wounded in a non-final count," he said. AFP was not able to verify the figures independently.
The Huthis later announced missile attacks on Israel and two US aircraft carriers. Israel's military earlier Friday said it had intercepted a missile launched from Yemen.
Protesters chanting "Death to America! Death to Israel!" gathered in rebel-held cities around the country, including one major demonstration in the capital Sanaa on Friday.
"The American military build-up and continued aggression against our country will only lead to more counter-attack and attack operations, clashes and confrontations," Huthi military spokesman Yahya Saree told the crowd in Sanaa. �"AFP
