Sanaa, Yemen:
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for two consecutive attacks on a US aircraft carrier group within 24 hours, stating it was retaliation for recent American airstrikes. The Houthis initially reported launching 18 missiles and drones at the “USS Harry Truman and its escort vessels” in the Red Sea, followed by a second attack hours later.
The US has yet to respond to these claims.
In a Telegram statement, a Houthi spokesperson said the strikes were a direct response to “continued American aggression” against Yemen. This escalation follows Washington’s warning of continued strikes until the rebels cease their attacks on Red Sea shipping. President Donald Trump has vowed to use “overwhelming lethal force” against the Houthis.
The Houthi health ministry reported that US airstrikes on Saturday resulted in 53 fatalities, including women and children, and left 98 others wounded.
Meanwhile, Houthi-controlled media accused the US of further strikes on Sunday night, targeting a cotton processing plant in Hodeida and the Galaxy Leader, an Israeli-owned ship seized over a year ago.
As tensions escalate, Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi has called for mass protests, while the United Nations has urged all parties to halt military actions.
The Houthis have conducted attacks on Israeli and Red Sea targets throughout the Gaza conflict, claiming solidarity with Palestinians. While a ceasefire halted their operations in January, the rebels resumed strikes citing Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
US Strikes and Regional Fallout
Washington’s weekend airstrikes marked the first since Trump returned to office. US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz stated that multiple Houthi leaders were “eliminated” in the operation. Trump issued a stark warning, vowing that the Houthis would face severe retaliation.
Iran, a key backer of the Houthis, condemned the US attacks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Washington had “no authority” to dictate Tehran’s foreign policy, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard chief warned of “decisive responses” if threats continued.
The Palestinian militant group Hamas also condemned the US strikes, calling them “a blatant violation of international law.”
Ongoing Houthi Threats to Global Shipping
Since October 2023, the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) has recorded 136 Houthi attacks on commercial vessels, warships, and Israeli-linked targets.
While the Red Sea typically facilitates 12% of global trade, the continued Houthi assaults have forced many shipping companies to reroute via Africa, increasing costs and delays.
Despite a fragile ceasefire in Yemen’s civil war since 2022, the recent surge in maritime attacks threatens to derail peace efforts, exacerbating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
