The Houthi missile and drone attacks on U.S. Navy forces in the Red Sea failed, as confirmed by a U.S. official, following recent U.S. airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. The conflict reflects heightened tensions in the region and a robust U.S. military response to provocations by the Iranian-backed group.
A recent Houthi missile and drone assault aimed at U.S. Navy ships in the Red Sea reportedly failed, as confirmed by a U.S. official. This retaliation was in response to new U.S. airstrikes targeting the Houthi group in Yemen, which began on a Saturday. The Houthis claim to have launched 18 ballistic missiles and a drone at the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier group but stated that their attack was a defensive measure against potential hostilities from the U.S.
In actuality, a U.S. official noted that only 11 drones and one ballistic missile were fired during the attack, with none reaching their intended targets. All drones were intercepted by U.S. Air Force and Navy planes, while the ballistic missile fell short, not endangering American vessels.
These Houthi strikes followed significant U.S. airstrikes in Yemen, characterized by President Trump as “decisive and powerful military action.” Since late 2022, the Houthis have engaged in attacks on Western-linked maritime assets and have conducted missile launches into Israel in protest of ongoing conflicts in Gaza.
Trump’s comments on social media described the Houthi campaign as one of violence and terrorism, asserting a commitment to responding with significant force until objectives were met. U.S. military operations reportedly targeted numerous Houthi installations, demarcating a stern warning to Iran in light of the conflict.
According to the Yemeni Health Ministry, the U.S. strikes resulted in 53 fatalities and injured 98 individuals. Trump indicated he was unconcerned about potential Houthi retaliation while national security adviser Mike Waltz emphasized the targeted operations against Houthi leadership and the need to hold Iran accountable. The Houthis vowed to prevent Israeli ships from passing until the blockade on Gaza is lifted, indicating ongoing tensions in the region.
The failed Houthi attack on U.S. Navy ships illustrates the increasing tensions and retaliatory dynamics in the region, following U.S. airstrikes in Yemen. Despite Houthi claims of substantial assaults, U.S. defensive measures successfully neutralized the threats. The U.S. has committed to a robust military response, targeting Houthi leadership while highlighting the role of Iran in the ongoing conflict, all amidst escalating violence and civilian casualties in Yemen.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
