Daijiworld Media Network - Yemen
Sanaa, Mar 17: Yemen's Houthi rebels launched a second attack on a US aircraft carrier in the northern Red Sea on Monday, following fresh airstrikes by the US military on Houthi positions.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea confirmed the strike, stating that the armed forces targeted the USS Harry Truman with ballistic and cruise missiles, along with drone attacks. He warned that the group would expand its operations to target all US naval and commercial vessels in the region if the airstrikes continued.
Additionally, Sarea claimed that Houthi forces successfully disrupted a planned US attack by launching counter-strikes, forcing enemy warplanes to retreat.
Meanwhile, the US Central Command confirmed ongoing military operations against the Houthis, citing recent airstrikes on Houthi strongholds. According to Houthi-run al-Masirah TV, the US conducted attacks on a cotton processing facility in Zabid District, Hodeidah, and the governor’s office in Al-Jawf. No immediate casualty reports have been provided from these latest airstrikes.
The Houthi-run health ministry in Sanaa reported that the overall death toll from US airstrikes has risen to 53, including five children and two women, with at least 98 others injured. Rescue teams are still searching for those trapped under the rubble.
The escalation began over the weekend when the US ramped up its air campaign against the Iran-backed Houthis, in response to their repeated attacks on international shipping lanes. The White House vowed to continue its strikes until the Houthis cease targeting vessels in the Red Sea, a move the rebels claim is in “solidarity” with Gaza.
As tensions mount, the region faces one of its most intense military confrontations since the start of the Israel-Gaza war in October 2023.