Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced on Monday that they had carried out two attacks on an American aircraft carrier group within 24 hours, describing the strikes as retaliation for recent deadly US military actions. The Houthis initially claimed to have launched 18 missiles and a drone at the USS Harry Truman and its accompanying warships in the Red Sea, followed by a second round of attacks hours later. The United States has not yet commented on these claims.
Meanwhile, the death toll from the first US strikes on Yemen under President Donald Trump has risen to 53, including five children and two women, according to Yemen’s health ministry. Ministry spokesperson Anis Al-Asbahi confirmed the figures on social media platform X, stating that 98 others were injured in the strikes, which occurred on Saturday.
In a statement shared on Telegram, a Houthi spokesperson said the attacks on the US carrier group were a direct response to “continued American aggression against our country.” The US has pledged to continue its military operations in Yemen until the Houthis cease their attacks on Red Sea shipping routes. President Trump has warned that he will use “overwhelming lethal force” if necessary.
Houthi media reported additional explosions on Sunday night, accusing US forces of targeting a cotton ginning factory in Hodeida and the Galaxy Leader, an Israeli-owned ship seized by the rebels over a year ago. Houthi leader Abdulmalik Al-Houthi has called for nationwide protests in defiance of the US actions.
The United Nations has called for an immediate halt to military activities by both sides, urging de-escalation along the critical maritime trade route. China also weighed in, advocating for dialogue and a reduction in tensions. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated, “China opposes any action that escalates the situation in the Red Sea,” during a regular briefing.
The Houthis, who control significant portions of Yemen, have been targeting Israeli interests and Red Sea shipping since the start of the Gaza conflict, claiming their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians. Prior to the recent attacks on the US carrier group, the rebels had not claimed any strikes in the Red Sea or Gulf of Aden since January 19, when a ceasefire in Gaza began.
The Houthis justified their renewed attacks by citing Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza and warned of further escalation if US aggression continues. The weekend strikes by the US marked the first such actions since Trump’s return to the presidency in January. US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz confirmed that the strikes targeted multiple Houthi leaders, while Trump issued a stern warning to the group, stating, “hell will rain down upon you.”
The situation remains tense as international calls for peace grow louder, with the UN and other global actors urging both sides to prioritize dialogue and avoid further military escalation.
