Daijiworld Media Network- Sanaa
Sana’a, Apr 19: In a fresh escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Yemen's Houthi group has claimed responsibility for launching a ballistic missile towards central Israel and launching strikes on two US aircraft carriers operating in regional waters.
Speaking during a mass protest in Yemen’s capital to express solidarity with Palestinians, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea stated that a "Zulfiqar" ballistic missile had been fired at a military target near Ben Gurion Airport in central Israel. He claimed the missile was successfully intercepted by Israeli defense systems, according to a report from China’s Xinhua news agency.
Sarea further asserted that the group had expanded its military operations to target the USS Harry S. Truman and the USS Carl Vinson, along with their accompanying vessels, in both the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. Notably, this marks the first time the Houthis have claimed an attack on the USS Carl Vinson since its deployment to the region.
Adding to the gravity of the developments, Sarea announced the downing of yet another US MQ-9 reconnaissance drone, bringing the total number allegedly shot down by the Houthis since November 2023 to 20.
Reiterating their stance, Sarea declared, “We will not back down from continuing our support operations for the Palestinian people until the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip stops and the siege on it is lifted.” He also warned of further retaliation in response to continued US airstrikes on Yemeni territory.
These remarks followed two waves of US airstrikes targeting the fuel port of Ras Isa on Thursday night. According to Houthi-controlled health authorities, the air raids resulted in 74 deaths and 171 injuries, while also destroying vital infrastructure including fuel storage tanks. The Ras Isa port serves as a critical entry point for fuel supplies into Houthi-controlled areas.
The US Central Command has yet to issue a statement on the Houthi claims.
Tensions in the region have significantly intensified since March 15, when the US resumed its airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen. The move was intended to deter attacks on American warships and Israeli targets amid ongoing instability in the Red Sea and surrounding waters.
The Houthis, who control large swathes of northern Yemen, began targeting Israeli interests in November 2023, declaring their campaign a show of solidarity with the people of Gaza. Their maritime operations have since disrupted traffic through key waterways, including the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden.
Although the group temporarily halted operations during a ceasefire in January between Israel and Hamas, they resumed strikes following renewed Israeli military action in Gaza last month. According to Houthi sources, more than 51,000 Palestinians have been killed in what they describe as a brutal Israeli campaign lasting over 18 months.