Yemen’s Huthis claimed responsibility for their third attack on American warships within 48 hours, just as US President Donald Trump vowed to hold Iran directly accountable for any future assaults from the Iran-backed rebels.
The Huthis also condemned Israel’s airstrikes on Gaza, which resulted in over 400 deaths, and promised to intensify their operations in support of Hamas. Previously, the rebels had targeted ships in the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestinians during the Gaza conflict, but last week they threatened to attack Israeli shipping again due to Israel’s blockade on Gaza, prompting the first US airstrikes on Yemen since Trump took office.
The rebels announced on Telegram that they fired missiles and drones at the USS Harry S Truman, marking the third attack in two days on US vessels in the northern Red Sea. However, a US defense official denied the Huthis’ claims, asserting that the rebels often exaggerated their successes while downplaying the results of US strikes.
The Huthis also reported fresh US airstrikes in Hodeida, Al-Salif, and Sanaa following mass protests in Yemen. The demonstrations, which included chants of “Death to America, death to Israel!”, occurred after Washington launched a new round of airstrikes, killing 53 people and injuring 98, according to the Huthi health ministry.
The US vowed to continue targeting Yemen until the Huthis cease their attacks on shipping. Trump declared that “every shot fired by the Huthis will be viewed as a shot fired from Iran.” In response, Iranian officials condemned the US actions, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the Huthis would not exist without Iranian support, calling it a “Frankenstein monster” that Iran must now manage.
The Pentagon confirmed that 30 Huthi targets had been struck as part of ongoing operations. The United Nations called for both sides to cease military activities and voiced concerns over the Huthis’ threats to resume attacks on the Red Sea.
Trump further warned the Huthis that “hell will rain down upon you” if they do not stop their actions. Since October 2023, the Huthis have launched over 130 attacks on warships, commercial vessels, and other targets, disrupting global shipping routes, particularly through the Red Sea.
The conflict, which began in 2015 when the Huthis ousted Yemen’s internationally recognized government, has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis. Despite a ceasefire in 2022, peace efforts have stalled due to the renewed hostilities.
