Houthis Claim Retaliatory Attack on Carrier Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea

The ongoing conflict in Yemen has intensified as U.S. forces launched a series of attacks on Houthi facilities. This military action comes in response to recent threats posed by the Houthi militants, who claim to have targeted the U.S. Navy carrier, Harry S. Truman. The situation is rapidly evolving, with both sides exchanging fire and accusations. As the U.S. continues its operations, the implications for regional stability remain uncertain.

U.S. Military Operations Against Houthi Forces

On December 30 and 31, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported a series of targeted strikes against Houthi command and control facilities in Yemen. These operations aimed to dismantle the militants’ capabilities to launch attacks on U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The U.S. Navy deployed ships and aircraft to strike locations in the city of Sanaa and along the Yemeni coast. Among the targets were sites used for the production and storage of advanced conventional weapons, as well as a coastal radar installation.

These recent strikes follow earlier military actions on December 21, when U.S. F/A-18 fighter jets targeted Houthi positions. During those operations, CENTCOM confirmed the destruction of multiple Houthi drones and an anti-ship cruise missile over the Red Sea. The U.S. military’s response underscores its commitment to protecting its forces and interests in the region, especially in light of the increasing aggression from Houthi militants.

The Houthis have claimed responsibility for various attacks, including those targeting U.S. naval assets. Their spokesperson, Yahya Saree, stated that they had aimed drones and cruise missiles at the Harry S. Truman, asserting that they successfully thwarted a planned U.S. airstrike on Yemen. This back-and-forth escalation highlights the volatile nature of the conflict and the potential for further military confrontations.

U.S. Conducts Airstrike on Houthis as Truman Strike Group Arrives in Region

Regional Repercussions and International Responses

The conflict has drawn in regional players, with the Houthis also claiming to have targeted Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport and a power station near Jerusalem. Israeli media reported air raid sirens in Central Israel, but the Israel Defense Forces confirmed that a missile was intercepted before it could reach its target. In response to the Houthi missile threats, Israel has conducted retaliatory strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen.

Israeli officials, including Ambassador Danny Danon, have expressed growing impatience with the Houthis. Danon warned that continued attacks would lead to a “miserable fate” for the militants, drawing parallels between the Houthis and other groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. His comments reflect a broader concern about the Houthis’ capabilities and their potential to destabilize the region further.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation. Calls for a diplomatic solution have intensified, as the conflict poses risks not only to Yemen but also to neighboring countries. The ongoing military actions and retaliatory strikes could lead to a broader regional conflict, making it imperative for global powers to engage in dialogue and seek a resolution to the crisis.