Yemen’s Houthi authorities have claimed responsibility for a series of drone and missile strikes targeting the US aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman on March 16. The attacks, described as retaliation for recent US airstrikes in Yemen, mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the Houthis and the United States.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya al-Sarea announced that ground, air, and naval forces launched 18 missiles and conducted a drone strike against the carrier and its accompanying warships in the northern Red Sea. While the Houthis framed the strikes as a response to “US aggression,” a senior Pentagon official reported that US warships intercepted and neutralized a dozen attack drones, leaving the naval strike group unaffected.
The confrontation underscores the broader stakes at play, including the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the intensifying geopolitical rivalry between the US and Iran, widely regarded as the Houthis’ chief military backer. Since the Gaza war erupted in October 2023, the Houthis have launched over 100 attacks on ships in the Red Sea, disrupting one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes and significantly increasing global shipping costs.
The US, under President Donald Trump, has intensified its military response, targeting Houthi installations in Yemen with heavy bombings. Trump has also issued stern warnings to Iran, urging it to cease its support for the Houthis and threatening severe consequences for any further provocations.
The Houthis, formally known as Ansar Allah, have long been aligned with Iran’s “Axis of Resistance,” a coalition of regional groups opposing Western influence. Despite Iranian denials, the Houthis have been equipped with advanced Iranian-made missiles and drones, further fueling tensions in the region.
As the conflict escalates, the international community watches closely, with concerns mounting over the potential for a broader confrontation that could reshape security dynamics across the Middle East.