Houthi Claims Targeting U.S. Aircraft Carrier Harry S. Truman
In a recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East, the Houthi militants in Yemen have claimed to have targeted the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman for the second time in less than a week. This assertion comes amid ongoing military operations in the region, where U.S. forces are focused on combating ISIS. The Houthis’ claims highlight the increasing volatility in the area and raise concerns about the potential for further conflict. The situation remains fluid as both sides prepare for possible confrontations.
Details of the Houthi Operation
According to Yahya Saree, a spokesperson for the Houthi militants, their forces conducted a special operation against the USS Harry S. Truman. This operation reportedly involved two cruise missiles and four drones, launched in the northern Red Sea. Saree claimed that this action was taken as the U.S. was preparing to launch a significant aerial attack on Yemen. He asserted that the operation successfully thwarted the U.S. attack plans. This claim marks the second time the Houthis have targeted the carrier within a week, with the first report emerging on December 31. At that time, the U.S. acknowledged its focus on Houthi command and control, weapons storage, and radar installations.
Despite the Houthi claims, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has not confirmed any incidents involving the aircraft carrier. Instead, CENTCOM stated that U.S. forces have been concentrating their efforts on ISIS positions in Iraq and Syria. Between December 30, 2024, and January 6, 2025, U.S. and coalition forces conducted multiple raids against ISIS, including the capture of an ISIS attack cell leader in Syria. This focus on ISIS suggests that the U.S. military is prioritizing its operations against terrorist threats rather than engaging directly with the Houthi claims.
Regional Tensions and Retaliatory Strikes
The Houthi attacks have not been limited to U.S. military assets. In recent weeks, the group has directed many of its operations toward Israel, prompting retaliatory strikes from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF has warned that it will intensify its military actions to prevent missile and drone launches from Houthi-controlled territories. This escalation of hostilities underscores the broader regional tensions that have been exacerbated by the Houthis’ aggressive posture.
In addition to the claims against the USS Harry S. Truman, the Houthis have also reported downing at least two U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones in late December. These incidents further illustrate the rising stakes in the region. The USS Harry S. Truman and its strike group arrived in the area just over three weeks ago, following a deployment that began on September 23 from Naval Station Norfolk. The carrier group includes the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg and two Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, USS Stout and USS Jason Dunham.
As tensions continue to rise, the situation remains precarious. The Houthis’ targeting of U.S. warships and their ongoing conflict with Israel could lead to further military confrontations. The international community is closely monitoring these developments, as the potential for escalation poses significant risks to regional stability.
