Houthis declare naval victory in Red Sea over US Forces

Houthis have reiterated their warning of potential strikes against ships bound for or connected to Israel, extending their threat to vessels in the Mediterranean. The announcement comes as the group claims victory against the US Navy in the Red Sea.

According to reports from the Houthi-controlled SABA news agency, the militia's pro-Palestine campaign's fourth phase will involve targeting ships en route to Israel within their drones' and missiles' range. The statement asserts that Western navies, including those of the US and UK, were ineffective against their attacks.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea stated that strikes against Israel-linked ships would now extend to the Mediterranean. The escalation would also include companies interacting with Israel, should the country proceed with its planned attack on the Palestinian Rafah.

Since November, the Houthis have launched numerous ballistic missiles and drones at vessels in the Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden, claiming their attacks are aimed solely at ships linked to Israel to end its siege on Gaza.

Houthi information minister Dhaif Allah Al-Shami asserted that the US was compelled to withdraw its aircraft carrier and other naval ships from the Red Sea after failing to counteract attacks. He announced forthcoming offensives against Israeli ships in the Mediterranean.

However, Yemeni military analysts have cast doubt on the Houthis' claims, citing the lack of advanced weaponry necessary for such attacks. Brig. Gen. Mohammed Al-Kumaim suggested that the Houthis might falsely claim responsibility for an attack on a Mediterranean ship carried out by an Iran-backed group in the region.