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 US says the attack on the Red Sea coast aimed to restrict supplies and funds for the Houthis, who called it a war crime.

U.S. airstrikes targeting an oil port held by Yemen's Houthi rebels killed dozens and wounded more than 100 others, the group says.