Iran-backed Houthi Rebels Target U.S. Aircraft Carrier Group Twice

The USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier and its warships reportedly came under missile and drone attack twice within 24 hours by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Monday.

The Houthis claim the attacks were retaliation for recent U.S. airstrikes that killed at least 53 people in Yemen. The strikes come amid rising tensions in the Red Sea, where Israel remains on high alert for potential missile threats.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said 18 ballistic and cruise missiles, along with a drone, targeted the carrier group in the northern Red Sea.

Despite Houthi claims, U.S. officials have not confirmed any damage. A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, told The Times of Israel that the Houthis launched drones and at least one missile in their first attack. Starting around midnight Saturday-Sunday, the Houthis fired 11 drones and a missile over 12 hours. Ten drones were intercepted by U.S. Air Force jets, while a Navy F/A-18 shot down another. The missile fell into the sea, far from any ships.

A Houthi spokesperson said on Telegram that the attacks were “in retaliation to the continued American aggression.”

U.S. airstrikes on Saturday were part of a broader campaign against the Houthis after they resumed attacks on international shipping routes, which carry approximately 12% of global maritime traffic. The Houthis cite American airstrikes and U.S. support for Israel's blockade of Gaza as justification for their operations.

Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi, in a televised speech, vowed to expand attacks on Israeli and U.S. naval assets. The group aims to pressure the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The escalation has put Israel’s air defenses on high alert. Over the weekend, a missile from Yemen landed in Egypt, raising concerns about spillover into Israeli territory. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are investigating whether it was intended for Israel.

On the diplomatic front, the United Nations has urged both sides to halt hostilities, warning of further destabilization. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres cited the worsening humanitarian crisis in Yemen and the risk of a regional conflict. However, both the U.S. and the Houthis remain entrenched, with Washington vowing "unrelenting" strikes.