Middle East tensions escalate as Yemen's Houthi rebels launch unprecedented attacks against American naval forces in the Red Sea.
According to TAG24, the Houthi rebels claimed to have conducted two separate attacks on the USS Harry Truman aircraft carrier group within 24 hours, describing the strikes as retaliation for US military actions that resulted in civilian casualties.
The militant group's initial assault involved deploying 18 missiles and a drone targeting the USS Harry Truman and its escort vessels. Hours later, they launched a second wave of attacks. These aggressive moves came after US strikes killed 53 people and wounded 98 others in Yemen on Saturday.
Deadly US strikes trigger immediate Houthi response
A Houthi spokesperson made their position clear through an official statement on Telegram: "In retaliation to the continued American aggression against our country."
The Trump administration maintains its aggressive stance, with the president promising to employ overwhelming lethal force until the Houthis cease their attacks on maritime vessels in the Red Sea.
The weekend violence has drawn international attention, with the United Nations calling for both parties to end military operations immediately.
Civilian casualties fuel regional tensions
The Houthi health ministry reported that women and children were among those killed in Saturday's US strikes. The devastating toll has intensified anti-American sentiment in the region.
Additional explosions were reported on Sunday night, with Houthi media claiming US forces targeted a cotton ginning facility in Hodeida. They also alleged attacks on the Galaxy Leader, an Israeli vessel captured by the rebels over a year ago.
Abdulmalik al-Houthi, the group's leader, has called for public demonstrations to protest the American attacks.
Gaza conflict shapes Houthi military strategy
The Houthis, controlling significant portions of Yemen, had previously suspended their military operations on January 19, coinciding with a Gaza Strip ceasefire.
Their renewed aggression stems from Israel's restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza. The militant group has explicitly targeted Israeli shipping vessels to show solidarity with Palestinians.
A Houthi representative warned of further escalation if US strikes continue, suggesting more severe military responses may follow.
Regional conflict reaches critical point
The latest confrontation between Houthi forces and the US military marks a significant escalation in Yemen's ongoing crisis. The rebel group launched dual attacks against the USS Harry Truman carrier group, responding to American strikes that caused numerous civilian casualties in Yemen.
The situation threatens to spiral into a broader conflict, with the Houthis pledging continued resistance against US military presence while maintaining their campaign against Israeli shipping in support of Palestinians in Gaza. Both sides appear prepared for sustained military engagement, despite international calls for de-escalation.
