Yemen's Houthi movement has announced a dramatic new development in the ongoing tensions in the Red Sea. 🎯 In a statement released on Saturday night, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea declared that the group launched a missile and drone assault against the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier over the past 24 hours.
\"This is the fifth time we targeted the aircraft carrier since its arrival in the Red Sea,\" Sarea proclaimed on the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV channel. 📺 He added that the operation lasted nine hours, successfully achieving its goals by forcing the aircraft carrier to \"leave the theater of operations and flee to the far north of the Red Sea.\"
The Houthis assert that this attack was conducted in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza and as a response to recent U.S.-British-Israeli air strikes on Houthi sites in northern Yemen on Friday. Sarea vowed to continue their operations against Israel until \"aggression against Gaza stops and the siege is lifted.\" ✊🇵🇸
Escalating Tensions in the Region
On Friday, Israel announced a joint air assault with the U.S.-led naval coalition, targeting a power station and two ports in Houthi-controlled areas including the capital Sanaa, Amran province, and the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah. The Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported one death and nine injuries resulting from this attack.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have intensified their activities, launching rocket and drone attacks on Israel and disrupting \"Israeli-linked\" shipping in the Red Sea. 🌊 These actions are part of their declared support for the Palestinians amid ongoing conflicts with Israel.
In retaliation, Israel has conducted several air strikes on Houthi targets. Additionally, the U.S.-led naval coalition stationed in the area has been carrying out regular air raids on Houthi sites since January 2024 in an effort to deter the group. This has prompted the Houthis to expand their attacks to include U.S. warships. 🚢💥
Background
The Houthis have been in control of much of northern Yemen since late 2014, after they forced the internationally recognized Yemeni government out of the capital, Sanaa. The ongoing conflict has created a complex and volatile situation in the region, drawing in multiple international actors.
Looking Ahead
As tensions continue to rise, the situation remains highly fluid. The Houthis' latest claims signal a potential escalation that could have significant implications for regional security. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
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Houthis claim new attack against U.S. aircraft carrier in Red Sea
cgtn.com
