Tehran: The Yemeni army has claimed responsibility for launching missile and drone attacks against the American aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea. This action is stated to be in retaliation for recent airstrikes by the United States on Yemen.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the Yemeni army announced the attack through a statement read by spokesperson Yahya Saree on Sunday night, following a day after the U.S. conducted a series of airstrikes on the country. The spokesperson reported that the American aircraft carrier and its accompanying warships were targeted with 18 ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as a drone, in response to what was described as "blatant aggression against our country."

Saree indicated that the U.S. airstrikes resulted in numerous casualties, with 47 airstrikes hitting various provinces including Sana'a, Sa'ada, Al-Bayda, Hajjah, Dhamar, Ma'rib, and Al-Jawf. He emphasized that the Yemeni Armed Forces remain committed to targeting American warships in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea as a form of retaliation.

U.S. President Donald Trump had previously announced on his social media platform, Truth Social, the execution of what he termed "decisive and powerful military action" against Yemen. He also issued a warning of further attacks if there were any threats to maritime security in the high seas.

In a related development, Yemen had previously set an ultimatum for Israel to lift its blockade on Gaza and allow humanitarian aid into the Palestinian territory, threatening to ban Israeli vessels from the Red and Arabian Seas. With the ultimatum's deadline having expired, Yemen reiterated its intent to enforce a naval blockade on Israel.

Saree reaffirmed Yemen's commitment to this blockade despite the recent U.S. actions, accusing the United States of being complicit in Israel's actions against Palestinians in Gaza. The blockade will persist until all essential supplies are permitted into the Gaza Strip.

The ongoing conflict has seen Yemen launch attacks on Israeli-linked vessels and execute missile and drone strikes within Israel, aiming to pressure a resolution to the Gaza situation. These operations continued until a ceasefire was established in Gaza earlier this year.