US Rejects Huthi Claims of Attack on USS Harry S. Truman, Citing Disinformation Campaign
SANAA, Yemen – In a stark rebuttal, the United States military has dismissed claims by Yemen’s Huthi rebels that they launched an attack on the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier in the Red Sea. The Huthis, backed by Iran, declared they had targeted the carrier and other warships with drones and cruise missiles on Sunday, asserting that the American vessel was forced to retreat. However, US Central Command (CENTCOM) swiftly rejected the claims, labeling them as part of a Huthi "disinformation campaign." CENTCOM emphasized that the USS Harry S. Truman has operated continuously in the region since December 14, 2024, without interruption. This incident underscores the escalating tensions in the region and the ongoing information warfare surrounding the conflict.
The Huthi statement, issued on Sunday, warned of "consequences" for any retaliatory action by the US military during the ongoing Gaza ceasefire. The rebels claimed that any aggression against Yemen would be met with "specific military operations without a ceiling or red lines." This threat comes amidst a period of relative calm in the Gaza Strip following a ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas. The Huthis, who have consistently expressed solidarity with the Palestinians, have launched numerous missile and drone attacks against Israel since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023. Their latest pronouncements suggest a potential spillover of the conflict into the Red Sea and further complicate an already volatile situation.
CENTCOM, in its response, categorically denied the Huthi claims. A spokesperson reiterated the carrier’s uninterrupted presence in the region, directly contradicting the rebel narrative. The spokesperson emphasized CENTCOM Commander General Kurilla’s recent visit to the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea, underscoring the carrier’s operational status. This firm denial aims to counter the Huthi propaganda and reassure regional allies of the US military’s continued commitment to maritime security. The incident also highlights the challenge of verifying information in a conflict zone rife with disinformation and propaganda from multiple actors.
The Huthis’ actions in the Red Sea are not isolated incidents. Throughout the ongoing conflict, the group has engaged in a campaign of harassment against shipping in the crucial waterway, disrupting vital trade routes. These attacks, often involving mines and explosive-laden boats, pose a significant threat to international commerce and maritime security. The Huthis justify these actions as part of their broader struggle against the Saudi-led coalition, which they accuse of imposing a blockade on Yemen. This creates a dangerous dynamic in a strategic waterway vital for global trade, further complicating efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully.
The Huthi alignment with Iran adds another layer of complexity to the regional power dynamics. Considered a part of Iran’s "axis of resistance," the Huthis receive significant military and political support from Tehran. This backing allows them to project power beyond Yemen’s borders and engage in actions that destabilize the region. The Huthis’ attacks on Israel and their disruption of shipping in the Red Sea are seen as part of Iran’s broader strategy to challenge US influence and regional rivals. This proxy conflict contributes to the overall instability and increases the risk of wider escalation.
Friday’s warning by the Huthi rebels, threatening continued attacks if Israel violates the Gaza ceasefire, further escalates the situation. This reinforces the Huthis’ commitment to the Palestinian cause and their readiness to use force to achieve their objectives. It also underscores the potential for the Gaza conflict to exacerbate tensions in other regions and draw in additional actors. The Huthis’ threat should be seen within the broader context of regional instability and the complex web of alliances and rivalries that shape the Middle East’s political landscape. As the situation remains volatile, the international community faces the challenge of preventing further escalation and finding a path towards a sustainable peace.