The United States conducted extensive airstrikes on Yemen Saturday, resulting in 32 casualties including children, according to Yemen’s Health Ministry. The military action prompted a stern warning from President Donald Trump to the Houthi rebels regarding attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.
In response, the Houthi forces claimed on Sunday they launched a significant operation targeting the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier. A spokesperson for the group announced they had deployed 18 ballistic and cruise missiles along with a drone against the American vessel.
Nasruddin Amer, who serves as the deputy head of the Houthi media office, indicated that the previous day’s U.S. strikes, which reportedly targeted 170 locations, would not deter their operations. He emphasized their continued support for Gaza, stating “Sanaa will remain Gaza’s shield and support and will not abandon it no matter the challenges.”
However, the Pentagon quickly refuted the Houthi claims. A defense official, speaking to Reuters, dismissed the assertion that any missile or drone attack came near the USS Harry S. Truman. Fox News later reported that U.S. naval vessels had successfully intercepted incoming Houthi drones, which were characterized as not presenting a serious threat.
Saturday’s U.S. military action resulted in significant civilian casualties, with reports indicating over 100 injured in addition to the fatalities. President Trump issued a forceful statement on Truth Social, threatening to “use overwhelming lethal force” and demanding Iran immediately cease its support of the Houthis.
“Your time is up, and your attacks must stop, starting today. If they don’t, hell will rain down upon you like nothing you have ever seen before,” Trump declared. He confirmed ordering “a decisive and powerful military operation against the Houthi terrorists in Yemen,” emphasizing his readiness to employ “overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective.”
The escalation follows the expiration of a four-day deadline previously announced by the Houthi leadership regarding the resumption of attacks on shipping vessels. With that timeline having concluded by Tuesday’s end, maritime activity in the Red Sea region faces renewed threat of disruption.
The ongoing conflict has seen significant maritime disruption since 2023, with the Houthis conducting more than 100 missile and drone attacks on commercial vessels traversing the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The group has also demonstrated their military capabilities by successfully downing several Pentagon-operated MQ-9 Reaper drones.
The situation represents a continuing challenge to international maritime security and regional stability, with the Houthis maintaining their aggressive stance despite increasing international pressure and military response. The latest exchange of military actions and rhetoric suggests a potential intensification of conflict in the region, particularly concerning the safety of commercial shipping through these crucial waterways.
The persistent attacks have significantly impacted global maritime commerce, forcing many shipping companies to reroute vessels around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, resulting in longer transit times and increased costs for international trade. The ongoing situation continues to pose serious challenges for global shipping and regional security, with no immediate resolution in sight despite the escalating military responses from the United States and its allies.