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U.N. cites heavy damage, casualties after strikes near Ras Issa port and urges restraint
Summary
The U.N. reported damage to Ras Issa port, confirmed injuries to humanitarian workers and dozens of casualties after strikes; it warned of fuel leaks and urged cessation of attacks by Houthi forces.
The United Nations said airstrikes on and around Ras Issa port in Yemen caused significant structural damage, injured humanitarian workers and resulted in initial reports of more than 230 casualties, including roughly 80 deaths.
The U.N. spokesperson told reporters that U.N. humanitarian colleagues confirmed five aid workers were injured and that humanitarian assistance was immediately mobilized to support local health facilities, trauma centers and emergency surgery. The U.N. mission mandated to support the Hudaydah agreement conducted a patrol to Ras Issa and reported extensive destruction to port facilities.
Why it matters: Ras Issa and Hudaydah are strategically important for maritime access and aid deliveries. The U.N. warned of a reported fuel leak into the Red Sea and urged all parties, including Houthi forces, to cease missile and drone strikes that endanger commercial shipping and civilians.
The briefing reiterated that Security Council resolution 2768 (as cited in the briefing with the numerical reading "27 68") related to Houthi attacks on merchant and commercial vessels must be fully respected; the spokesperson called for restraint and for the immediate and unconditional release of detained U.N. and other personnel.
The U.N. said its mission plans additional patrols in Hudaydah to assess conditions and is engaging stakeholders to explore solutions to de-escalate the situation. The U.N. emphasized that international humanitarian law applies and must be respected.
The U.N. also expressed deep concern about reports of widespread casualties and urged that any further escalation would worsen Yemen's already dire humanitarian situation, where more than 19 million people need aid.
