Yemen's Huthi rebels claimed responsibility for a fourth attack within 72 hours on a US warship in the Red Sea. The Huthis' military spokesperson stated that cruise missiles and drones targeted the USS ''Harry S. Truman'' carrier group, marking the latest escalation in their ongoing conflict with the United States.
The US Central Command confirmed that its operations against the Iran-backed Huthis are continuing. Since Saturday, the US has launched heavy strikes against the Huthis, who are supported by Iran. These strikes have resulted in mass protests in Yemen, while the Huthis' retaliatory efforts have been largely ineffective, according to a US general.
The US has pledged to apply overwhelming force against the Huthis until they stop firing on critical maritime routes, including the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which together account for around 12% of global shipping traffic.
Part of Iran’s broader "axis of resistance" against the US and Israel, the Huthis have been obstructing the shipping lanes since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict, expressing solidarity with Palestinians. In a statement, the Huthis declared that US military aggression would not deter them from continuing their support for Gaza, reports AFP.
Earlier this week, the Huthis also took responsibility for a missile fired at Israel, which was intercepted by Israeli defense systems. This was the first such missile attack from Yemen on Israel since the ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war began on January 19.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military reported that a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted by the Israeli Air Force before entering Israeli territory. The Huthis condemned Israeli actions in Gaza, which have led to significant casualties, and pledged to escalate their attacks in response.
