The Yemeni Huthi rebels, backed by Iran, declared on Wednesday that they have executed a new attack on US naval vessels in the Red Sea, marking their fourth strike against the carrier fleet in a span of 72 hours. A military spokesperson for the Huthis confirmed the operation, stating that “a number of cruise missiles and drones targeted the aircraft carrier ‘USS Harry Truman’ along with several enemy warships.” He emphasized that this was “the fourth within 72 hours,” according to reports.
This announcement follows reports from Huthi-controlled media outlets in Yemen, which indicated that US forces had launched attacks on Saada, the northern city that is the birthplace of their movement, on Tuesday night. The Huthi-affiliated news organizations reported on “a strike by US aggression” in the Saada governorate, while local residents informed AFP of witnessing three distinct strikes in the area.
The recent hostilities commenced on Saturday when the United States initiated extensive military actions against Houthi positions across Yemen, including in Sanaa, Saada, and other areas. The health ministry controlled by the Houthis reported 53 fatalities, among them women and children, with around 100 individuals injured. US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz indicated that the strikes resulted in the elimination of several Houthi commanders, while President Donald Trump warned of severe repercussions should attacks on US forces or maritime shipping persist.
In response, the Houthis launched an attack on Sunday, targeting the USS Harry S. Truman carrier group with missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, marking their first offensive of this nature. US officials downplayed the incident, stating that there were no confirmed impacts on American vessels. Houthi sources claimed that further US airstrikes occurred that day, alleging attacks on a cotton processing facility in Hodeida and the Galaxy Leader, a ship previously seized and linked to Israel.
In the wake of these events, the Houthis carried out another attack on the USS Harry S. Truman within a 24-hour timeframe, continuing their pattern of reciprocal escalation. By Monday, they had executed a third offensive, asserting that their actions were a direct response to American military operations and support for Palestinians amid the ongoing situation in Gaza.
Iran, a supporter of the Houthi organization, has condemned the military actions taken by the United States. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that the US has no authority over Yemen or its diplomatic relations with Iran, warning of significant retaliatory actions should hostilities continue. The United Nations has called on all involved parties to cease military operations, emphasizing the threats to regional stability and the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
Since October 2023, data from ACLED indicates that the Houthis have launched 136 attacks on military and commercial vessels in the Red Sea, prompting many shipping companies to change their routes. The organization has also stated that without an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza, they will resort to further aggressive actions.
