Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for their third attack on American warships in 48 hours on Tuesday, despite ongoing U.S. strikes on the Iran-backed group. The Houthis announced via Telegram that they had targeted the USS Harry S. Truman carrier group with missiles and drones, marking the third assault in the northern Red Sea.
A U.S. defense official dismissed the claim, stating that the Houthis “continue to communicate lies and disinformation” and that the group is known for minimizing the results of U.S. attacks while exaggerating their own successes.
US Strikes and Houthi Response
U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Alexus Grynkewich acknowledged the difficulty in confirming the Houthi claims, citing the rebels’ failure to hit their targets, with strikes reportedly missing by over 100 miles (160 kilometers). Meanwhile, Houthi media reported fresh U.S. airstrikes on Yemen following mass protests on Monday. Demonstrations erupted in the capital, Sanaa, where thousands of people, many wielding assault rifles and Qurans, chanted slogans like “Death to America, death to Israel!” Protesters also gathered in Saada, the birthplace of the Houthi movement, and other cities like Dhamar and Hodeida, according to footage from the rebels’ Al-Masirah TV channel.
Ongoing Protests and Escalating Violence
The protests followed recent U.S. airstrikes launched on Yemen beginning on Saturday. These attacks aimed to pressure the Houthis to cease their attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes, which they have targeted in support of Palestinians since the Gaza war began. The U.S. strikes on Saturday resulted in 53 deaths and 98 injuries, according to the Houthi-run health ministry. The Houthi-controlled media outlets also reported additional U.S. airstrikes in Yemen on Monday night, with targets in Hodeida and Al-Salif, as well as strikes in Sanaa early Tuesday.
US and Iran Tensions Over the Conflict
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that any future attacks by the Houthis will be considered as actions taken by Iran, holding the Tehran-backed group accountable. “Every shot fired by the Houthis will be looked upon, from this point forward, as being a shot fired from the weapons and leadership of IRAN, and IRAN will be held responsible,” Trump stated on social media. In response, Iran labeled Trump’s comments as “belligerent,” continuing its firm stance against U.S. involvement in the region.
Continued Escalation in Yemen and Gaza
In Yemen’s capital, Al-Sabeen Square was once again filled with demonstrators carrying large flags and chanting slogans of defiance against the U.S. and Israel. This rally followed recent U.S. airstrikes that targeted Houthi leaders, the first such attacks since Trump returned to office in January. U.S. National Security Adviser Michael Waltz confirmed that Saturday’s airstrikes targeted multiple Houthi leaders, a claim the Houthis have yet to respond to. The Pentagon has continued its campaign in Yemen, striking 30 targets, and vowed to use “overwhelming lethal force” to restore freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Houthi Threats and Regional Implications
The Houthis have warned of escalating their attacks on Red Sea shipping if U.S. strikes continue. In a statement, they condemned the resumption of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, vowing to increase support for Palestinians and intensify their confrontation with Israel. This escalation follows the collapse of a ceasefire agreement intended to alleviate tensions in Gaza, which had led to a temporary cessation of hostilities between the Houthis and Israel.
The United Nations has urged both sides to cease military activity, expressing concern over the impact of continued violence. Meanwhile, Iran condemned the U.S. strikes, accusing Washington of provoking instability in the region and violating Security Council resolutions on arms embargoes in Yemen.
Future Outlook and Diplomatic Challenges
The continued conflict between the U.S., Houthis, and Iran raises significant concerns for the region, especially as tensions surrounding the Gaza conflict intertwine with broader geopolitical rivalries. As the Houthis continue their attacks and the U.S. responds with airstrikes, the situation remains precarious, with the potential for further escalation in both Yemen and beyond.
