U.S. Strikes Houthi Militants in Yemen as Red Sea Conflict and Civilian Toll Escalate

Tensions between the United States and Iran-backed Houthi militants surged over the weekend, with the U.S. military confirming continued operations against the group. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced late Sunday that it was carrying out missions targeting Houthi terrorists, following a series of devastating airstrikes in Yemen the previous day. These developments reflect an intensifying military confrontation in the region, driven by a sharp increase in hostilities.

U.S. Airstrikes in Yemen Spark Houthi Retaliation Against American Aircraft Carrier

On Saturday, at President Donald Trump’s direction, the U.S. launched 47 airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen. According to Anis al-Asbahi, a spokesperson for the Houthi-led Yemen health ministry, these attacks resulted in the deaths of 53 individuals, including five children and two women, and injured 98 others. The high civilian toll has raised concerns about the humanitarian consequences of the U.S. campaign, even as Washington frames its actions as a necessary counterterrorism effort.

In response to the airstrikes, the Houthis claimed they launched two separate attacks on the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier in the northern Red Sea. According to Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree, the first assault involved 18 ballistic and cruise missiles. Details about the second strike, including the number of munitions used, remain unclear. It is also uncertain whether the carrier sustained any damage during these attacks, although it had reportedly participated in the previous day’s strike on Yemen.

Houthis Target Red Sea Shipping Amid Gaza Blockade and Widening Regional Tensions

The Houthi attacks are part of a broader military strategy, with the group maintaining a blockade in the Red Sea to disrupt maritime traffic, including U.S. military and commercial vessels. This action has been framed as retaliation against Israel’s blockade of Gaza during its conflict with Hamas. Although a fragile ceasefire is currently in place in Gaza, the Houthis have vowed to continue targeting Israeli-linked shipping until humanitarian aid is allowed unrestricted access into the enclave.

The conflict also ties into ongoing tensions surrounding Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently announced the suspension of supplies into Gaza, accusing Hamas of diverting humanitarian aid for its military operations against Israel—a claim made without providing direct evidence. Netanyahu warned that further measures would be taken if Hamas continued to hold Israeli hostages. These regional dynamics contribute to the broader instability influencing U.S.-Houthi hostilities.