The Houthis, a group in Yemen, launched a major attack on the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier. This strike was a response to recent US airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas. The attack took place one day after President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes against Houthi strongholds in Yemen, raising tensions in the region.
Missile and Drone Attack Targets US Warships
The Houthis took credit for firing 18 missiles and drones at the USS Harry S. Truman and its escort ships. Brigadier General Yahya Saree, a spokesperson for the Houthis, said the attack was in direct response to 47 US airstrikes in Yemen. These airstrikes targeted Houthi-controlled areas, including the capital city of Sanaa and the province of Saada, near the Saudi border.
Saree warned that the Houthis would keep attacking US warships in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea as long as the US continues its military actions. Both sides have hinted that the conflict could escalate further, as the US aims to stop future attacks on international ships.
US Prepares for Prolonged Military Action
The Houthis have a history of attacking international shipping in the Red Sea. They sank two ships and claimed it was in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. After a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in January, the Houthis paused their attacks but resumed targeting Israeli-linked ships just last week.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected any idea of de-escalation. He emphasized that the US would stop the Houthis from controlling important sea routes. “This will continue until they no longer have the ability to do that,” Rubio said. He pointed out that Trump’s military response is different from the more limited strikes under President Biden.
The Houthi-run Health Ministry reported that the recent US airstrikes killed at least 53 people, including women and children, and injured over 100. In response, Trump promised to use “overwhelming lethal force” until the Houthis stop targeting critical shipping lanes in the Red Sea.
Iran Denies Involvement in Houthi Attacks
Trump also issued a direct warning to Iran, saying the U.S. would hold the country responsible for any regional attacks carried out by its allies, such as the Houthis. However, Iran denied any connection to the Houthi offensive. General Hossein Salami, leader of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, said that Tehran does not control the Houthis’ military actions.
The situation continues to be tense. The Red Sea has become a major flashpoint in the broader conflict between the US and Iranian-backed groups. Both sides are preparing for potential further actions. The outcome of this conflict could have wide-reaching consequences for global shipping and the balance of power in the Middle East.