Yemen's Houthis claim new attack on US aircraft carrier in Red Sea

The Houthi rebels have escalated tensions in the Red Sea by claiming another attack on the USS Harry Truman aircraft carrier. Their military spokesperson insists these strikes will continue until the Gaza conflict stops, marking a significant maritime confrontation. The ongoing attacks have drawn responses from both the US-led naval coalition and Israel, who have conducted retaliatory airstrikes. This situation highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics involving Yemen, Israel, and international maritime security.

"The operation came as US forces were preparing for a new airstrike against Yemen" - Yahya Sarea, Houthi Military Spokesperson

by IANS January 15, 2025 50 views

Sanaa, Jan 15: Yemen's Houthi group announced on Wednesday that it had launched a new attack on the USS Harry Truman aircraft carrier in the Red Sea, using cruise missiles and bomb-laden drones.

Key Points

1. Houthis launch sixth attack on US aircraft carrier in Red Sea

2. Group demands halt to Gaza conflict

3. Attacks targeting Israel and US military interests

4. Ongoing maritime tensions in strategic shipping region

In a statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said, "The operation came as US forces were preparing for a new airstrike against Yemen." He added that this was the sixth attack on the US carrier since its arrival in the region.

Sarea vowed to continue attacks against Israel and the US military until, in his words, "the war on Gaza stops."

The attack on the US aircraft carrier took place in the early hours of Wednesday, according to the Houthi television. The US military has not yet commented on the claim.

Last week, the Houthis also asserted they had targeted the USS Harry Truman in the Red Sea, with the attack reportedly lasting nine hours, Xinhua news agency reported.

On Friday, Israel said it launched a joint air assault with the US-led naval coalition, targeting a power station and two ports in the Houthi-held capital Sanaa, Amran province, and the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah.

Al-Masirah reported one death and nine injuries in Friday's attack.

The Houthis have been controlling much of northern Yemen since late 2014, when they forced the internationally recognised Yemeni government out of the capital, Sanaa.

Since November 2023, the group has conducted rocket and drone attacks on Israel and disrupted "Israeli-linked" shipping in the Red Sea, expressing solidarity with Palestinians amid their ongoing conflict with Israel.

In response, Israel has launched multiple rounds of airstrikes on Houthi targets. Additionally, the US-led naval coalition in the region has carried out air raids and strikes against Houthi positions since January 2024, aiming to deter the group's activities. This has led the Houthis to expand their attacks to include US warships.