The attack on the USS Harry Truman intensified the Red Sea conflict as tensions between the US and Yemen’s Iran-backed group escalated. On Monday, a Houthi spokesperson announced that fighters had launched 18 missiles and a drone at the American aircraft carrier and its escorting warships.
The assault, which was characterized as revenge, came after a weekend of American bombings on Yemen territory controlled by the Houthis. Although the navy vessel’s damage has not been confirmed, US Central Command is still conducting military operations against the Houthis.
After Israel tightened its embargo on Gaza last week, the group that controls a large portion of Yemen pledged to launch attacks on vessels tied to Israel. US forces responded by carrying out airstrikes on Houthi sites during the night, killing at least 53 people and wounding several others.
The attack on USS Harry Turman came just hours after the US struck a suspected weapons depot in the port city of Hodeidah. Reports from Yemen SABA news agency claim American warplanes also targeted a cancer treatment facility in Saada, causing widespread destruction.
The US military states that its actions aim to disrupt Houthi military capabilities and protect global shipping routes. Red Sea trade routes remain at risk as maritime companies reroute vessels around to Africa to avoid potential attacks.
The disruption forces businesses to take longer, costlier journeys than pass through the Suez Canal. Oil prices reacted to the escalating conflict, with Brent crude rising to $71.21 per barrel on Monday.
Analysts attribute the increase to growing instability in the Middle East and positive Chinese economic data. President Donald Trump ordered continued airstrikes against Houthi forces, vowing to protect commercial and military interests in the region.
