Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have claimed responsibility for two missile and drone attacks on an American aircraft carrier strike group in the Red Sea within a 24-hour period. The Houthis stated that 18 missiles and a drone targeted the USS Harry Truman and its accompanying warships. A second wave of attacks was launched hours later.
While the United States has yet to confirm or deny the claims, the Houthis said the strikes were carried out in response to US military action against them.
Escalating Tensions and US Response
The US has intensified its military operations against the Houthis, with President Donald Trump vowing to continue strikes until the group halts its attacks on Red Sea shipping. Over the weekend, US airstrikes reportedly killed 53 people, including women and children, and wounded 98 others, according to the Houthi health ministry.
Washington’s National Security Advisor, Michael Waltz, confirmed that the strikes targeted key Houthi leaders. Trump further warned the Houthis that the US would retaliate with “overwhelming lethal force.”
Houthi Leader Calls for Protests
In response to the strikes, Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi urged Yemenis to take to the streets in protest. Meanwhile, the United Nations has called for both sides to de-escalate military actions.
The Houthis, who have launched multiple attacks on Israel and Red Sea shipping since the Gaza war began, justified their recent aggression as a response to Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The group warned of further escalations if US strikes continued.
Red Sea Conflict Disrupting Global Trade
Since October 2023, the Houthis have carried out at least 136 attacks on military and commercial vessels, as well as Israeli targets. The ongoing conflict in the Red Sea has forced global shipping companies to reroute vessels around southern Africa, increasing costs and causing supply chain disruptions.
International Condemnation and Iran’s Stance
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the US attacks, asserting that Washington had “no authority” to dictate Tehran’s foreign policy. Meanwhile, Hamas denounced the US strikes as a violation of international law.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards leader, Hossein Salami, warned that while Iran would not seek war, it would respond decisively if threatened.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
The war in Yemen, which has been ongoing for years, has resulted in one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with hundreds of thousands of casualties from violence, disease, and starvation. Although a 2022 ceasefire temporarily halted fighting within Yemen, peace negotiations have stalled due to ongoing Houthi attacks on maritime trade routes.
As tensions escalate, the risk of broader regional conflict remains high, with global trade and stability hanging in the balance.
