Priyanka Tiwari
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The Huthi rebels in Yemen have claimed responsibility for a fourth attack in 72 hours on an American fleet in the Red Sea. The U.S. military has confirmed the continuation of its operations against the Iran-backed Huthi group, as tensions in the region escalate.
According to the Huthis' military spokesperson, cruise missiles and drones targeted the USS Harry S. Truman carrier group in what marks the fourth strike within three days.
Earlier, the U.S. Central Command reaffirmed its "ongoing operations" against the Houthi fighters, who are backed by Iran.
U.S. Military Strikes Against Huthis Continue Amid Tensions
The U.S. military initiated heavy strikes against the Tehran-supported Huthis on Saturday, which has resulted in widespread protests in Yemen and retaliatory actions by the rebels. According to a U.S. general, many of the retaliatory actions largely missed their targets.
Washington has vowed to continue applying relentless and overwhelming force on Yemen until the Huthis cease their attacks on critical maritime routes, namely the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, which together account for approximately 12% of global shipping traffic.
Huthis Align with Gaza Solidarity, Continue Attacks
Part of Iran's "axis of resistance" against the U.S. and Israel, the Huthis have been hindering trade routes in the region since the start of the Gaza war. They have framed their actions as a show of solidarity with Palestinians.
Despite the U.S. bombardment, the Huthis remain steadfast in their support for Gaza. A statement from the Huthi group declared, "The U.S. aggression will not deter the steadfast and struggling Yemen from fulfilling its religious, moral, and humanitarian duties toward the Palestinian people."
Missile Attack on Israel and Escalating Conflict
In a separate development, the Huthis also claimed responsibility for a missile strike intercepted by Israel on Tuesday. The missile, launched from Yemen, targeted an air base in Israel, marking the first attack on Israel from Yemen since the January 19 ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.
Israel reported that its Air Force successfully intercepted the missile before it entered Israeli territory, with air raid sirens sounding in Beersheba and the Negev Desert.
Huthi Political Council Condemns Israeli Strikes on Gaza
The Huthis' supreme political council condemned the resumption of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, which they labeled an act of aggression. The recent wave of Israeli strikes is considered the deadliest since the truce took effect, with over 400 casualties, according to Hamas-run health authorities in Gaza.
The Israeli military’s massive overnight operation has reignited the ongoing conflict, with Israel's prime minister stating that it is essential to ensure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
In response, Hamas accused Israel of effectively signing a death warrant for the remaining hostages.
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