Ankara: The Yemeni Houthi group announced on Monday that it conducted a military operation against the USS Harry S. Truman and other warships in the northern Red Sea. Yahya Sare'e, the group's spokesman, revealed in a televised statement that the operation involved the use of cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones. He stated that the action was in response to what the group perceives as ongoing American aggression against Yemen.
According to Anadolu Agency, Sare'e further mentioned that the operation also targeted additional warships in the area, forcing the aircraft carrier to retreat to the far northern part of the Red Sea. The Houthi forces have declared their intent to continue targeting the carrier and other hostile ships in the region until they perceive an end to the aggression against Yemen.
On the same day, the Houthi group reported that at least 68 people were killed and 47 others injured in US airstrikes on a shelter for African migrants in Yemen's northern Saada province. Additionally, the US Navy confirmed an incident involving a US F-18 fighter jet and a tow tractor from the USS Harry S. Truman, stating that both went down during operations in the Red Sea.
Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV also reported US airstrikes targeting areas in northern Yemen, including the Harf Sufyan District and the Barash area east of Jabal Nuqm in the capital, Sanaa. No further details on casualties or damage from these strikes have been provided, and there has been no official comment from Washington.
The Houthi group claims that over 1,200 US airstrikes have occurred in Yemen since March 15, resulting in significant civilian casualties. These actions are part of a broader conflict, with US President Donald Trump previously stating a commitment to decisive military action against the Houthis.
The Houthis have been active in targeting ships in the Red and Arabian seas since November 2023. This is in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, amidst a prolonged conflict with Israel. Although attacks were halted following a ceasefire in January, they resumed following renewed Israeli airstrikes on Gaza last month.