Yemen's Houthi forces have intensified tensions in the Red Sea, claiming a second missile and drone attack on the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman within 24 hours. The group's military spokesperson, Yahya Sarea, stated the strike was a retaliation for recent U.S. airstrikes targeting Houthi positions, vowing further escalation if American operations continue.
In a televised statement via Houthi-run al-Masirah TV, Sarea asserted their forces repelled a planned U.S. attack by disrupting enemy warplanes with preemptive rocket and drone strikes. He warned of expanded assaults on all U.S. naval and commercial vessels in the region.
The U.S. Central Command confirmed ongoing operations against Houthi targets but did not address the carrier strike claims. Local reports from Yemen indicate fresh airstrikes hit a cotton factory in Hodeidah and a government building in Al-Jawf province, though no casualties were immediately reported.
According to Houthi health authorities, U.S. strikes since Saturday have killed 53 people, including women and children, with rescue teams still searching for survivors under rubble. The U.S. has defended its actions as necessary to protect international shipping lanes, with former U.S. President Donald Trump affirming continued military pressure until Houthi attacks cease.
The conflict highlights deepening instability in one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, raising concerns among global shipping firms and regional governments.
