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.

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

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.