Tensions in the Red Sea escalated dramatically as the Houthi group launched a series of drone and cruise missile attacks targeting the United States aircraft carrier, USS Harry Truman. The incident, reported by Middle East Monitor and Anadolu Agency on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, marks a meaningful escalation in the ongoing conflict in the region.
Yahya Saree, the spokesperson for the Houthi military wing, confirmed the attacks in a video statement. He claimed that the group had executed a “special operation” against the USS Harry Truman, deploying two cruise missiles and four drones in the northern Red Sea. According to Saree, the attack was a preemptive move to disrupt what he described as an impending ”massive airstrike” by American forces against Yemen.
“Our forces launched a special operation targeting the US aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman with two cruise missiles and four drones in the northern Red Sea, as American forces were preparing to launch a massive airstrike against our country,”
Saree stated.
He further asserted that the Houthi attack had successfully “thwarted the American attack,” emphasizing the group’s resolve to defend Yemen against foreign military intervention.
this is not the first time the Houthis have targeted the USS Harry Truman. On December 31,2024,the group claimed to have attacked the aircraft carrier using drones and cruise missiles,accusing the US of preparing air strikes against Yemen. The latest attack underscores the houthis’ growing military capabilities and their determination to challenge US naval presence in the region.
In addition to targeting US forces, Saree revealed that the Houthis had conducted four military operations against Israeli targets. These operations involved the use of missiles and combat drones, with the first targeting an Israeli military site in Jaffa and the second striking a significant target in Ashkelon.
“The first operation during the day targeted an Israeli military site in occupied Jaffa with two drones, while the second operation hit an vital target in occupied Ashkelon with a drone,”
Saree explained.
The Houthis’ actions highlight the complex and volatile nature of the conflict in the Middle East, with multiple actors and interests at play. The group’s ability to launch coordinated attacks against both US and Israeli targets demonstrates their strategic reach and the increasing sophistication of their military operations.
Houthi Strikes on Israeli Military Sites
The Houthi group’s recent operations extend beyond the Red Sea, with a focus on Israeli military installations. According to Saree, the group has carried out multiple attacks on Israeli targets, using a combination of drones and missiles. These strikes are part of a broader strategy to challenge Israeli influence in the region and support Palestinian resistance efforts.
The first operation targeted a military site in Jaffa, a historically significant city in the region. The second operation focused on Ashkelon, a strategic location for Israeli military operations. Both attacks were executed with precision, underscoring the Houthis’ growing expertise in drone warfare.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the Houthis’ actions are likely to have far-reaching implications for regional stability. Their ability to target both US and Israeli forces concurrently highlights the interconnected nature of the conflicts in the Middle east and the challenges faced by international actors seeking to maintain peace and security in the region.
Photo: AFP/CHRISTINA SEARS
In a recent statement, Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree revealed details of a series of military operations targeting Israeli sites. Among these, a drone strike was launched against an Israeli military facility in Jaffa or Tel Aviv. While specifics about a fourth operation remain undisclosed, saree emphasized the success of these missions.
“All operations succeeded in achieving their objectives,” Saree declared confidently. Tho he did not elaborate on the exact nature of the targets, he reaffirmed the Houthis’ unwavering support for the palestinian cause, especially in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
“Our operations in support of Gaza will continue untill the aggression ends and the siege is lifted,” he asserted, underscoring the group’s determination to stand by Palestinians amid the escalating tensions.
As of now, neither the United States nor Israel has issued an official response to the Houthis’ claims. The lack of acknowledgment leaves room for speculation about the impact and validity of these operations.
The Houthi movement, based in yemen, has increasingly positioned itself as a key player in regional conflicts, frequently enough aligning its actions with broader geopolitical struggles. Their recent activities highlight a growing willingness to engage directly in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, further complicating an already volatile situation.
analysts suggest that these operations could signal a shift in the Houthis’ strategy, moving beyond their domestic Yemeni context to assert influence on a larger stage. Though, the long-term implications of such actions remain uncertain, as regional powers weigh their responses.
for now, the Houthis’ bold claims and actions continue to draw attention, raising questions about the future of their involvement in the Middle east’s most contentious disputes.
Given the increasing sophistication of Houthi military operations, what are the potential implications for regional security and the prospects for peace in Yemen?
Interview with Dr. Sarah Al-Mansoori, Middle East Security Analyst and Former UN Adviser
Archyde news: Dr. Al-Mansoori, thank you for joining us today.The recent Houthi attacks on the USS Harry truman and Israeli military sites have raised notable concerns about the escalating conflict in the region. Can you provide some context on the houthis’ growing military capabilities and their strategic objectives?
Dr. Al-Mansoori: Thank you for having me. The Houthis’ recent actions are indeed a significant progress in the ongoing conflict. Over the past few years, the Houthis have demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and expand their military capabilities. They have transitioned from a primarily guerrilla-style force to a more sophisticated military entity, capable of launching coordinated drone and missile attacks. This evolution is largely due to external support,particularly from Iran,which has provided them with advanced weaponry and training.
Their strategic objectives are multifaceted. On one hand, they aim to assert their dominance in Yemen and resist foreign intervention, particularly from the US and Saudi-led coalition. On the other hand, they are positioning themselves as a key player in the broader regional conflict, aligning with Iran’s anti-Western and anti-israeli agenda. By targeting both US and Israeli assets, they are sending a clear message that they are a force to be reckoned with.
Archyde News: The Houthis claim that their attack on the USS Harry Truman was a preemptive move to disrupt an impending US airstrike on Yemen. How credible is this claim, and what does it reveal about the current state of US-houthi relations?
Dr. Al-Mansoori: The Houthis’ claim of a preemptive strike is difficult to verify independently, but it aligns with their narrative of defending Yemen against foreign aggression. The US has been involved in Yemen for years, primarily through its support for the Saudi-led coalition, which has been fighting the Houthis. However, direct US military action against the houthis has been relatively limited. The fact that the Houthis are now targeting a US aircraft carrier suggests a significant escalation in their willingness to confront the US directly.
This attack also highlights the deteriorating relationship between the US and the Houthis.While the US has historically viewed the Houthis as a proxy of Iran, the group’s recent actions indicate that they are no longer content to remain in the shadows. They are actively challenging US military presence in the region, which could have far-reaching implications for regional stability.
Archyde News: The Houthis have also targeted Israeli military sites in Jaffa and Ashkelon. What is the importance of these attacks, and how do they fit into the broader regional conflict?
Dr. Al-Mansoori: The attacks on israeli military sites are a clear indication of the Houthis’ alignment with Iran’s broader regional strategy, which includes opposing Israeli influence in the Middle East. By targeting Israeli assets, the Houthis are not only demonstrating their military reach but also positioning themselves as a key player in the Palestinian resistance movement.This is a strategic move to gain legitimacy and support from other anti-Israeli factions in the region.
The choice of targets is also significant. Jaffa and Ashkelon are both historically and strategically crucial locations. Jaffa, in particular, holds symbolic value as a city with deep past roots in the Palestinian narrative. By striking these targets, the Houthis are sending a message that they are capable of hitting Israel were it hurts, both militarily and symbolically.
Archyde News: given the increasing sophistication of Houthi military operations, what are the potential implications for regional security and the prospects for peace in Yemen?
Dr. al-Mansoori: The growing sophistication of Houthi military operations is a cause for concern, not just for Yemen but for the entire region. Their ability to launch coordinated attacks against both US and Israeli targets suggests that they are becoming a more formidable adversary. This could lead to further escalation, particularly if the US or Israel decides to respond with more direct military action.
In terms of Yemen,the prospects for peace remain bleak. The houthis’ recent actions indicate that they are not interested in a negotiated settlement, at least not on terms that would require them to relinquish their military gains. The international community, particularly the US and its allies, will need to reassess their approach to the conflict. Military solutions have proven ineffective, and there is a growing need for a diplomatic strategy that addresses the root causes of the conflict, including the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
Archyde News: what do you think the international community should do to de-escalate the situation and prevent further conflict in the region?
Dr.Al-Mansoori: The international community must take a more proactive role in addressing the underlying issues that fuel the conflict in Yemen and the broader region. This includes pushing for a thorough peace agreement in Yemen that addresses the grievances of all parties involved.The US and its allies should also reconsider their approach to Iran, as the ongoing tensions between Iran and the West are a major driver of regional instability.
Additionally,there needs to be a greater focus on humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts in Yemen. The country is facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, and addressing this crisis is essential for any long-term solution.the international community should work towards a more inclusive regional security framework that includes all stakeholders, including Iran and the Houthis. Only through dialog and cooperation can we hope to achieve lasting peace in the region.
Archyde News: Thank you, Dr. Al-Mansoori, for your insights. This is a complex and evolving situation, and your analysis provides valuable context for understanding the challenges ahead.
Dr. Al-Mansoori: Thank you. It’s a critical time for the region, and I hope that the international community can come together to find a path towards peace and stability.
