Houthi Group Claims Missile and Drone Attack on USS Harry S. Truman

On Saturday night, Yemen's Houthi group declared that they executed a new missile and drone strike targeting the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier in the northern Red Sea within the last 24 hours. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea mentioned that the assault, which lasted for nine hours, was the fifth attempt at attacking the aircraft carrier since it entered the region. According to Sarea, the operation was successful, causing the carrier to retreat far north into the Red Sea.

The motivation behind this recent attack, as stated by Sarea, was to express solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and to retaliate against recent airstrikes by U.S., British, and Israeli forces on Houthi locations in northern Yemen a day prior. He emphasized the intent to continue such strikes against Israel until there is a halt to aggression in Gaza and the lifting of the blockade. In concert with these developments, Israel had undertaken joint airstrikes, reportedly targeting a power station and two ports in Houthi-controlled areas including the capital Sanaa and the port city of Hodeidah, resulting in casualties.

The Houthis have maintained control over significant portions of northern Yemen since late 2014 when they ousted the internationally recognized government from Sanaa. Since November 2023, they have broadened their attacks, launching rockets and drones against Israel while disrupting shipping linked to the nation in the Red Sea, all in support of the Palestinian cause amid the ongoing conflict. In retaliation, Israel has executed a series of airstrikes on Houthi installations, while the U.S.-led naval coalition present in the area has engaged in regular military actions against the Houthis since January 2024, further compelling the group to extend their assaults to U.S. naval vessels.