Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for a fourth attack on an American naval fleet in the Red Sea within the past 72 hours, marking a significant escalation in tensions along one of the world's most critical shipping routes. The group's military spokesperson announced on Wednesday that cruise missiles and drones targeted the USS Harry S. Truman carrier group, the latest in a series of retaliatory strikes following heavy US airstrikes against the Houthis over the weekend.

US Vows to Continue Military Operations

The US Central Command confirmed its ongoing operations against what it described as "Iran-backed Houthi terrorists" shortly before the Houthis' announcement. The United States has pledged to respond with overwhelming force until the rebels cease their attacks on shipping lanes in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, which handle approximately 12% of global trade.

US airstrikes, launched on Saturday in response to Houthi aggression, have drawn protests in Yemen but have also pressured the Iran-backed group to halt its attacks on vital maritime routes. Despite this, a senior US general noted that many of the Houthi attacks have failed to hit their intended targets.

Houthis: Strikes Will Not Deter Support for Gaza

The Houthis, who align themselves with Iran's "axis of resistance" against the United States and Israel, have been disrupting Red Sea maritime traffic since the start of the Gaza war. They claim their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians and have vowed to continue their campaign despite US retaliation.

"The US aggression will not deter the steadfast and struggling Yemen from fulfilling its religious, moral, and humanitarian duties toward the Palestinian people," the Houthis declared in a statement on Wednesday.

Houthis Fire Missile Toward Israel Amid Gaza Escalation

In a related development, the Houthis claimed responsibility for a missile attack on Israel on Tuesday, marking the first such incident since a January 19 ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The missile, which Israel said targeted an airbase, was intercepted by the Israeli Air Force before entering Israeli airspace. The attack triggered air raid sirens in Beersheba and parts of the Negev Desert.

The missile launch coincided with Israel’s resumption of large-scale military operations in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the renewed offensive, calling it "essential" for securing the release of hostages held by Hamas. Palestinian health officials in the Hamas-controlled enclave reported that over 400 people were killed in the latest Israeli strikes.

Rising Regional Tensions

The escalating situation in the Red Sea and Gaza highlights growing regional volatility, with Iran-aligned groups intensifying their military actions. As the US continues its campaign against the Houthis, concerns are mounting over the security of global trade and the potential for a wider conflict in the region.

Observers warn that the actions of Iran-backed groups, including the Houthis, are fueling instability across the Middle East, obstructing peace efforts in Gaza, and threatening vital shipping lanes that are crucial to global trade. The ongoing confrontations underscore the risk of further escalation, with implications for both regional security and international commerce.