Houthi Forces Attack Escort Vessels of USS Truman in Red Sea, Escalating Tensions

On Mar 20, 2025, Houthi forces launched an attack on the escort vessels of the USS Harry S. Truman, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, while it was operating in the Red Sea. U.S. Navy sources have confirmed the incident, noting that the assault involved a combination of drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles targeting the carrier strike group. Although the attacks were either intercepted by the U.S. military’s advanced defense systems or missed their targets, the event marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the Iran-backed Houthi rebels and U.S. forces in the region.

What Happened?

• Target: The USS Harry S. Truman, a key U.S. naval asset, and its escort vessels—destroyers and cruisers designed to protect the carrier—were the focus of the Houthi attack.

• Attack Details: The Houthis used unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles. U.S. officials reported that the strikes were ineffective, with some missing by over 100 miles, and no damage was sustained by the carrier or its escorts.

• Houthi Claims: The Houthi rebels claimed responsibility, boasting of their ability to challenge U.S. naval power. However, the U.S. Navy has downplayed these claims, emphasizing the failure of the attack.

Why It Matters

The Red Sea is a vital maritime corridor connecting the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal, making it essential for global trade. The USS Truman’s presence in the region, since its deployment in December 2024, is aimed at ensuring maritime security and countering Houthi aggression, which has increasingly targeted both military and commercial vessels. This attack on a U.S. aircraft carrier’s escorts represents a bold escalation from the Houthis, who have traditionally focused on disrupting shipping rather than directly confronting U.S. military assets.

U.S. Response

The U.S. has reacted decisively:

• Airstrikes: Precision strikes have been launched on Houthi targets in Yemen, including command centers and missile sites.

• Reinforcements: The USS Truman’s deployment has been extended, and a second carrier strike group, led by the USS Carl Vinson, is being sent to the Middle East, signaling a significant military buildup.

• Official Stance: The Trump administration has promised “decisive and powerful” actions and warned Iran, the Houthis’ primary backer, of accountability.

What’s Next?

This incident heightens tensions in an already unstable region. The Houthis’ decision to target a U.S. carrier group risks provoking a stronger military response, potentially drawing in Iran and expanding the conflict. The Red Sea’s strategic importance means that continued instability could disrupt global trade, making this a situation with far-reaching implications. As the U.S. escalates its operations, the coming weeks will determine whether tensions boil over into a broader confrontation or subside.