Houthis claim missile, drone strikes on US carriers Harry Truman and Carl Vinson

The Houthi rebel movement "Ansar Allah" in Yemen has claimed responsibility for missile and drone strikes on the US aircraft carriers Harry Truman and Carl Vinson, as well as their accompanying ships.

The statement was published on the Telegram channel of Yahya Saree, spokesperson for the Houthi-formed armed forces, Caliber.Az reports, referencing foreign media.

"Missile forces, drone units, and the navy carried out two military operations targeting the American aircraft carriers Harry Truman and Carl Vinson and their escort ships in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, using cruise missiles and drones," the statement read. The Houthis asserted that their actions should be viewed as a response to "American aggression against Yemen and an expression of solidarity with the Palestinian people."

Additionally, according to the statement, Houthi air defence units shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper reconnaissance and combat drone over Yemen's northwestern Hajjah province. The group claims this is the seventh such drone they have downed this month.

Following the escalation of conflict in Gaza in 2023, the Houthis warned they would target Israeli territory and block Israel-linked vessels from transiting the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb Strait. These attacks ceased after a ceasefire was implemented in the Palestinian enclave in mid-January, but resumed in early March after the truce collapsed. The Houthis subsequently began targeting Israeli-linked vessels once more in the Red Sea and also attempted missile strikes on Israeli territory.

On March 15, US forces began launching extensive airstrikes against Houthi positions across Yemen, following an order from President Donald Trump. According to US Central Command, the operation was aimed at protecting American interests and ensuring freedom of navigation. In response, "Ansar Allah" launched a series of retaliatory attacks against the Harry Truman aircraft carrier in the northern Red Sea.