Houthis attack US ships: Iran-backed rebel group claim fourth attack in 72 hours

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Yemeni Huthi rebels, backed by Iran, targeted US naval vessels in the Red Sea, their fourth strike in 72 hours. This followed alleged US attacks on Saada, resulting in significant casualties. The escalating conflict saw reciprocal actions, with the US warning of severe consequences and Iran criticizing the US’s involvement, highlighting increased regional tensions and humanitarian concerns.

The Yemeni Huthi rebels, supported by Iran, announced on Wednesday that they conducted a fresh strike on US naval vessels in the Red Sea, claiming their fourth assault on the carrier fleet within a 72-hour period.

The military representative of the Huthis confirmed the operation, stating “a number of cruise missiles and drones, targeting the aircraft carrier ‘USS Harry Truman’ and a number of enemy warships”. He further noted that this was “the fourth within 72 hours,” as reported by AFP.

This comes just a little after Yemen’s Huthi-controlled media outlets announced that US forces conducted attacks on Saada, the northern city where their movement originated, on Tuesday night.

The Iran-supported Huthis’ news organisations, Saba news agency and Al-Masira TV, reported “a strike by the US aggression” on the Saada governorate, whilst local residents informed AFP that they witnessed three separate strikes in the region.

The recent attacks started Saturday when the US conducted extensive military operations against Houthi positions throughout Yemen, including Sanaa, Saada and other regions. The Houthi-administered health ministry reported 53 casualties, including women and children, with approximately 100 wounded. US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz stated the strikes eliminated several Houthi commanders, whilst President Donald Trump cautioned severe consequences if attacks on US forces or maritime shipping continued.

The Houthis retaliated on Sunday by targeting the USS Harry S. Truman carrier group with missiles and unmanned aircraft, marking their first attack. US authorities dismissed the significance of the incident, reporting no confirmed hits on American vessels. Houthi sources alleged additional US aerial bombardments that day, citing strikes on a cotton processing facility in Hodeida and the Galaxy Leader, an Israeli-associated ship captured previously.

Following these developments, the Houthis executed another subsequent attack on the USS Harry S. Truman within a 24-hour period, maintaining their position of reciprocal escalation. By Monday, they had launched a third offensive, reaffirming their actions as direct retaliation to American operations and support for Palestinians during the Gaza situation.

Iran, which supports the Houthi organisation, criticised the US military action. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared that the US lacked jurisdiction over Yemen or Iranian diplomatic relations, indicating strong countermeasures if confrontations persisted. The UN has urged all parties to halt military operations, highlighting risks to regional stability and Yemen’s humanitarian situation.

Since October 2023, ACLED data shows Houthis have conducted 136 attacks on military and commercial vessels in the Red Sea, compelling numerous shipping companies to alter their routes. The organisation stated that without increased humanitarian assistance to Gaza, they would implement additional aggressive measures.

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