Yemen (Washington Insider Magazine)— Yemen’s Houthis launched a missile attack against the US aircraft carrier Eisenhower in the Red Sea in response to US and British attacks on Yemen, says Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree. Six American and British attacks have left 16 dead and 41 wounded, including civilians, Saree says in a televised statemen
Houthi Response to US-UK Assault
Yahya Saree, the military spokesman for the Houthi movement, confirmed the missile launch, stating it was a direct response to the “aggression” by US and British forces. He claimed the missiles precisely hit the aircraft carrier, stressing that the attack was also in support of the Palestinians in Gaza.
US and UK Forces Target Houthi Positions
The US and UK militaries announced that their strikes on Thursday, May 30, were aimed at deterring Houthi disruptions in Red Sea shipping lanes. The US Central Command reported that 13 Houthi-controlled targets were hit, while the UK Ministry of Defense specified that the strikes in Hodeidah targeted drone and surface-to-air weapon sites.
Civilian Casualties and Damage
According to France24, The Houthi-aligned Al-Masirah television network reported that the US-UK strikes killed at least 16 people and injured 35, including civilians. The attacks reportedly hit a radio building in the Al-Hawk district and the port of Salif.
International Reactions
Iran, a key ally of the Houthis, denounced the US and UK actions, calling them violations of Yemen’s sovereignty and human rights. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani held the US and UK accountable for the “crimes against the Yemeni people.”
Background and Context
Since last November, the Houthis, who control Yemen’s capital Sanaa and major portions of the country, have attacked international commerce in the Red Sea, asserting solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel’s confrontation with Hamas. The continuous violence has resulted in considerable civilian losses, with over 36,200 dead reported, including thousands of children.
Concerns Over Escalating Middle East Conflict
As the situation in Yemen deteriorates, recent events have prompted concerns about a larger Middle Eastern conflict. Since February, the US and UK have responded with offensives that have complicated the region’s stability, heightening concerns about the possibility of hostilities to escalate.
