Yemen’s Houthi rebels have launched a retaliatory missile strike against the USS Harry S. Truman, targeting the U.S. aircraft carrier in the Red Sea. The attack, which involved 18 ballistic and cruise missiles along with drones, is in response to recent U.S. airstrikes on Houthi-controlled regions in Yemen.
This strike occurred just one day after President Donald Trump authorized extensive air raids on key Houthi strongholds, including the cities of Sanaa and Saada.
Escalating Tensions in the Red Sea
The missile assault has further escalated tensions between the U.S. and the Houthis, with both sides warning of more military action. U.S. officials have expressed concerns about the potential for further destabilization in the Red Sea and surrounding waters, vital for global shipping.
The Houthis, who have been engaged in a prolonged conflict with the U.S.-backed Yemeni government, have frequently targeted international shipping lanes, justifying their actions as support for Palestinians amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Houthi Leadership Promises More Strikes
Brigadier General Yahya Saree, the military spokesman for the Houthis, confirmed the missile strikes were in direct retaliation for 47 U.S.-led airstrikes on Yemen. Saree issued a stern warning:
“The Yemeni Armed Forces will not hesitate to target all American warships in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea,” he stated.
Though the Houthis had suspended their maritime attacks following a ceasefire in January 2025, they resumed hostilities last week after Israel reinforced its blockade on Gaza. The decision has once again drawn the attention of global powers, with some warning of a broader regional conflict.
U.S. Responds with Threat of Continued Military Action
In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the United States would continue military action against the Houthis until they no longer pose a threat to global commercial shipping.
“We’re not going to let them control which ships pass through,” Rubio said. “This strike is just the beginning, and we’ll continue until the Houthis no longer have the ability to target our interests.”
The U.S. also condemned the actions of the Houthis, with reports indicating that at least 53 people, including women and children, were killed in the recent airstrikes on Houthi-controlled regions. Over 100 people were reported wounded in the attacks.
Trump Issues Stark Warning to Iran
President Trump has vowed to use “overwhelming lethal force” in response to the Houthi strikes and other Iran-backed militia actions. The President warned Tehran that it would be held fully accountable for any continued hostilities emanating from the Houthis and other groups in the region.
However, Iranian officials have denied any direct involvement in the Houthis’ military activities. General Hossein Salami of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard claimed that Tehran does not control the military strategy of the Houthis.
Ongoing Conflict and Global Implications
The missile attack on the USS Harry S. Truman and the escalating tensions in the Red Sea underscore the volatility of the situation in Yemen and its broader implications for global security. The conflict has already disrupted international shipping, and experts warn that continued escalation could lead to even more severe global consequences.
Both sides appear prepared for an extended military engagement, with the U.S. indicating it will not back down in its efforts to counter the Houthi threat. The situation in Yemen remains fluid, and the potential for further conflict continues to grow.
