Did the Huti launch an attack on Eisenhower?

Huti spokesperson, Yahya Saree, reported a series of attacks carried out by Huti forces, claiming that their target was an American aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. According to Huti, the attack was a response to the "brutal aggression" of US and UK forces. U.S. officials strongly deny these reports, reporting that no activity has been reported in the US Navy carrier area.

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Huti: Attack on aircraft carrier Eisenhower – response to the aggression of the USA and Israel

In a statement issued by ex-Huti rebels It was reported that they carried out a joint military operation using rockets aimed at an American aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower operating in the Red Sea. According to them, the missile attack was "accurate and direct".

These actions were to retaliate for Israeli attacks against Rafah, resulting in 58 deaths, and for nightly raids of the United States and Great Britain into areas controlled by Huti in Yemen. According to Huti, six attacks by the U.S. and Great Britain caused 16 deaths and injured 41, including civilians.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that US forces identified additional threats from Huti. On May 30, in the afternoon of local time, eight unmanned aircraft were reported to have been shot down, which were launched at the Red Sea. These drones were meant to be threat to shipping, but the US has not identified any ships that could be the target of attacking USS aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Intensification of attacks in Red Sea waters

Huti attacks followed a week of increased aggression. The Huti claimed they had attacked 10 ships since November 2023, with a total target of 129 ships. Last week, a total of 27 ballistic missiles and drones were launched for targets in the Red Sea, the Arab Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

One hit was confirmed, which caused at least three hits in the Greek-owned Laax bulk ship. On photos delivered by the French forces you can see two holes near the waterline, and one of the cargo hatches was lifted and damaged. Reports indicate that the ship sailed to Iran and carried grain.

Allied Response

The British Ministry of Defence issued a statement after a night-long joint operation against Huti's targets. The operation aimed at "decreasing Huta's ability to continue attacks on international shipping". UK informed about the launch of Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4 aircraft from an undisclosed location and the use of Paveway IV guided bombs. RAF Voyager tankers provided air-fueling for Typhoons.

The target were two locations near Hudayida to support attacks against the ships. The targets included drone control facilities and warehouses for long-range drones, as well as ground-to-air weapons. The British stated that in the south their targets were command facilities.

CENTCOM reported that the target of the attacks was a total of 13 facilities. "These actions are necessary to protect our forces, ensure freedom of navigation and make international waters safer for the US, coalitions and merchant ships," says the statement.

Who cares, and how does this affect the development of these waters?

So who wants to heat up the atmosphere and create narratives about attacks on an American aircraft carrier? First of all, Huti, who thus want to strengthen their position in the region and gain the support of their allies, such as Iran. For the US and their coalitions, any such information is an excuse to increase military presence in these strategic waters, to ensure the protection of shipping and international interests.

In fact, reports of alleged attacks themselves have no significant impact on developments in the Red Sea waters. Real warfare and political manoeuvres in the region are much more important. The escalation of rhetoric and propaganda serves primarily as a tool for achieving the political and military objectives of both sides of the conflict, without making significant changes in the actual safety and stability of shipping.

Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz