The Houthi rebel group claimed they struck the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, a US aircraft carrier, in the Red Sea. According to Yahya Saree, a spokesperson for the Iranian-backed Houthis, the attack was in retaliation for US and UK strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen on Thursday. Saree stated that the Houthis targeted the Eisenhower with drones and missiles, achieving a “direct hit.” He also claimed a successful strike on an unnamed American destroyer and several commercial vessels.
These claims were broadcast by Houthi-controlled media and echoed by Iranian state media, with Saree asserting that the attacks were a response to the significant damage and casualties inflicted by the US and UK strikes. He reported that the allied strikes resulted in 16 deaths and 41 injuries, and targeted multiple sites, including the port of Salif, a radio building in Al-Hawk district, and a military camp.
However, an anonymous US defense official has reportedly refuted these claims. Speaking to Politico, the official stated that no missiles had struck the USS Eisenhower or even been fired in its vicinity. The defense official emphasized that the carrier strike group, which includes the destroyers USS Gravely and USS Mason, and the cruiser USS Philippine Sea, is equipped to detect and intercept incoming threats from hundreds of miles away.
The Houthi Terrorist Group in Western Yemen has released yet another Statement where they claim to have Attacked the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) as well as a U.S. Navy Destroyer in the Red Sea using Anti-Ship Missiles and One-Way “Suicide” Drones, but yet again they provide… pic.twitter.com/6XeYGwbHi0
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) June 1, 2024
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that they intercepted and destroyed multiple Houthi munitions over the Red Sea. According to CENTCOM, US forces shot down one Houthi drone and observed two others crashing into the sea. Additionally, they engaged and neutralized two anti-ship ballistic missiles launched at the USS Gravely, ensuring no damage or injuries occurred on any US or civilian vessels.
The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and its strike group have been operating in the Red Sea to safeguard shipping lanes from Houthi attacks. This deployment is part of broader efforts to maintain maritime security in the region, which has seen increased hostilities from the Houthi forces.
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