Houthis Claim Attacks on USS Eisenhower and US Destroyer in Red Sea

Yemen's Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have claimed responsibility for a series of attacks targeting US naval vessels and commercial ships in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. The group announced that it had conducted six operations against the USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier, a US destroyer, and three other vessels.

Why this matters: The attacks on US naval vessels and commercial ships in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean have significant implications for global security and trade. If the Houthis are able to successfully target US warships, it could embolden other anti-US groups and disrupt critical shipping lanes, leading to economic and humanitarian consequences.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that the USS Eisenhower was targeted with missiles and drones, marking the second attack on the carrier within 24 hours. Additionally, the Houthis claimed to have targeted a US destroyer and three commercial ships: the Abliani and Maina in the Red Sea, and the Aloraiq in the Indian Ocean.

A US defense official denied the Houthi claims, stating that the reports of missiles striking the USS Eisenhower were false. The official did not provide further details but emphasized that the carrier and its crew were safe.

The Houthis have been attacking ships off Yemen's coast for months, asserting that their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians fighting Israel in Gaza. These attacks have focused on the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden, forcing shippers to reroute cargo on longer and more expensive journeys around southern Africa.

In response to the Houthi attacks, joint US-UK airstrikes targeted Houthi positions in Yemen, killing at least 16 people and wounding 42 others. These strikes aimed at underground facilities, missile launchers, command and control sites, and other Houthi infrastructure.

The Houthis' drone and missile strikes have disrupted commercial shipping in the region, prompting the launch of the multinational operation 'Prosperity Guardian' by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. This operation aims to protect maritime traffic in the Red Sea and safeguard commercial vessels from further attacks.

The ongoing conflict between the Houthis and the US-UK coalition highlights the broader geopolitical tensions in the region, with Iran's support for the Houthis adding complexity to the situation. The Houthis' actions are part of a larger pattern of attacks against US and Israeli-linked targets, reflecting their opposition to Western influence and solidarity with Palestinian causes.

The situation continues to evolve, and the international community remains watchful of the Houthi group's capabilities and intentions. The Houthis have vowed to persist in their operations until their demands are met, indicating that the conflict is far from over.

Key Takeaways

• Houthis claim to have attacked US naval vessels, including USS Eisenhower, in Red Sea and Indian Ocean.
• Attacks could disrupt critical shipping lanes, leading to economic and humanitarian consequences.
• US defense official denies Houthi claims, says USS Eisenhower and crew are safe.
• Joint US-UK airstrikes target Houthi positions in Yemen, killing 16 and wounding 42.
• Multinational operation 'Prosperity Guardian' launched to protect maritime traffic in Red Sea.