Houthi rebels – www.israelhayom.com https://www.israelhayom.com israelhayom english website Tue, 11 Nov 2025 10:48:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 https://www.israelhayom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/cropped-G_rTskDu_400x400-32x32.jpg Houthi rebels – www.israelhayom.com https://www.israelhayom.com 32 32 Have the Houthis decided to end their attacks on Israel? https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/11/11/houthi-attacks-pause-gaza-ceasefire-red-sea/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/11/11/houthi-attacks-pause-gaza-ceasefire-red-sea/#respond Tue, 11 Nov 2025 10:48:52 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1101755 Yemen's Houthi rebel forces have signaled suspension of attacks on Israel and Red Sea shipping following the Gaza ceasefire that began Oct. 10, marking potential end to an 11-month campaign that killed nine mariners, sank four ships, and cost Egypt $6 billion in lost Suez Canal revenues. Maj. Gen. Yusuf Hassan al-Madani warned operations targeting Israel will resume "deep inside the Zionist entity" if fighting restarts, according to The Associated Press.

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Yemen's rebel military command has indicated cessation of operations against Israel and Red Sea maritime commerce as Gaza's fragile truce persists, according to The Associated Press. Through correspondence to Hamas' Qassam Brigades published online, Maj. Gen. Yusuf Hassan al-Madani provided the clearest signal yet that strikes have ended. "We are closely monitoring developments and declare that if the enemy resumes its aggression against Gaza, we will return to our military operations deep inside the Zionist entity, and we will reinstate the ban on Israeli navigation in the Red and Arabian Seas," al-Madani's letter stated. The rebels have not formally acknowledged their regional campaign has halted, The Associated Press noted. Israeli military forces, which conducted operations killing senior rebel commanders, declined Tuesday comment to The Associated Press, while Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz previously threatened "sevenfold" retaliation following a September drone strike on Eilat that wounded 22 people.

The organization gained international attention during the Israel-Hamas war through maritime and Israeli strikes they claimed aimed to force Israel's combat withdrawal, The Associated Press reported. Following the Oct. 10 ceasefire start, no attacks have been attributed to the group. Though rebels insisted operations focused on Israel-affiliated vessels, targeted ships demonstrated limited connection to the conflict. The campaign killed at least nine maritime personnel, sank four vessels, and disrupted Red Sea commerce previously handling approximately $1 trillion in goods annually before hostilities, The Associated Press noted. The latest strike hit Dutch-flagged cargo ship Minervagracht on Sept. 29, killing one crew member and wounding another.

A Houthi supporter raises a mock missile during an anti-US and anti-Israel protest in Sana'a, Yemen, 16 May 2025 (EPA/Yahya Arhab)

Egypt's Suez Canal, linking Red Sea waters to the Mediterranean, experienced severe transit disruption from the strikes, The Associated Press reported. The waterway provides critical hard currency for Egypt, generating $10 billion in 2023 as the nation's economy struggles. The International Monetary Fund noted in July that rebel operations "reduced foreign exchange inflows from the Suez Canal by $6 billion in 2024." Despite modest recent traffic increases during the attack lull, many shippers continue routing around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope to avoid Red Sea waters and the Gulf of Aden, The Associated Press noted.

A screen grab taken from a handout video released by the Houthis military media center on 08 July 2025 shows Houthi fighters aboard the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, the Magic Seas (seen in the background) / EPA; ANSARULLAH MEDIA CENTRE / AFP

US forces launched intensive bombing operations against the rebels earlier this year that President Donald Trump halted before his Middle East visit, The Associated Press reported. The Biden administration similarly conducted strikes, including deploying America's B-2 stealth bombers targeting what officials described as underground rebel facilities.

The rebels have escalated Saudi Arabia threats and detained dozens from UN agencies and aid groups as prisoners, alleging without evidence they were spies – claims fiercely denied by the UN and others, The Associated Press reported. Israeli forces previously warned of escalated responses to any renewed maritime attacks.

Shipping industry analysts project cautious resumption of Red Sea routes contingent on sustained ceasefire stability, with insurance costs and security concerns continuing to influence routing decisions, according to maritime security sources cited by The Associated Press. The rebels' conditional suspension leaves commercial shipping vulnerable to rapid campaign resumption if Gaza hostilities restart.

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Waltz's White House future in jeopardy after war plans leak https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/03/25/waltzs-white-house-future-in-jeopardy-after-war-plans-leak/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/03/25/waltzs-white-house-future-in-jeopardy-after-war-plans-leak/#respond Tue, 25 Mar 2025 05:00:48 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1046311   The White House found itself in turmoil Monday following revelations that senior Trump administration officials inadvertently exposed classified war plans against the Houthis to a journalist in a private chat group. Sources within the White House told Politico that National Security Advisor Mike Waltz's position may be in jeopardy as a result of this […]

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The White House found itself in turmoil Monday following revelations that senior Trump administration officials inadvertently exposed classified war plans against the Houthis to a journalist in a private chat group. Sources within the White House told Politico that National Security Advisor Mike Waltz's position may be in jeopardy as a result of this significant security breach.

On Monday, Jeffrey Goldberg, editor of The Atlantic, revealed that Waltz had mistakenly added him to a sensitive Signal messaging group where administration officials were sharing detailed military plans targeting Houthi forces. The group included high-ranking officials such as Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The incident represents not just an embarrassing misstep but a potentially serious national security failure.

Internal pressure mounting for resignation

"Everyone in the White House agrees on one thing: Mike Waltz is a f***ing idiot," a source close to the White House told Politico. A senior administration official disclosed that discussions are already taking place among various officials regarding Waltz's future. "Half of them are saying he won't survive or that he shouldn't survive," the senior official stated. Two high-level White House aides have suggested that Waltz should voluntarily step down to shield President Donald Trump from a politically damaging situation.

A fourth White House source confirmed awareness of internal pressure on Waltz to take responsibility for his error, potentially through resignation. However, this source emphasized that Waltz's fate ultimately hinges on President Trump's personal assessment of the situation, while also noting that other senior officials were participants in the compromised Signal chat.

A screenshot from the Signal group following the strikes in Yemen. Screenshot: The Atlantic

Blame game developing

Two sources indicated that while Trump might hold Waltz accountable for potentially compromising US security, the president could equally direct his frustration toward Vice President Vance for diverging from administration foreign policy positions in the chat group, or toward Secretary Hegseth for allegedly sharing sensitive operational details.

"It was negligent not to verify who was included in the group. It was negligent to conduct such sensitive discussions on Signal. The National Security Advisor simply cannot afford to be negligent," the senior administration official emphasized.

Mixed signals on Waltz's future

Despite the growing pressure, House Speaker Mike Johnson has publicly defended Waltz, telling Politico that he "absolutely should not" resign. "He possesses exceptional qualifications for the position. He is trustworthy and reliable. He was born for this role, and I have complete confidence in him," Johnson stated.

The White House continues to officially stand behind the National Security Advisor. "As President Trump has noted, the operations against the Houthis have been highly successful and effective. President Trump maintains full confidence in his national security team, including National Security Advisor Mike Waltz," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared in an official statement.

US President Donald Trump attends a cabinet meeting at the White House, in Washington, D.C., US, March 24, 2025. Photo credit: Carlos Barria/Reuters

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has firmly denied exposing military plans, despite the White House confirming the authenticity of the Signal group. Hegseth blasted Goldberg as a "highly discredited" reporter who "peddles in garbage" and insisted that "nobody was texting war plans."

Contradicting accounts of the breach

When asked about Hegseth's denial during an appearance on CNN's The Source with Kaitlan Collins on Monday night, Goldberg directly challenged the defense secretary's account, stating: "No, that's a lie. He was texting war plans. He was texting attack plans."

Information security controversies are familiar territory for Trump. Beyond the case involving classified documents stored at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump leveraged considerable political advantage during his 2016 presidential campaign against Hillary Clinton by attacking her over what became known as the "email scandal" – a controversy stemming from her use of a private server for official correspondence while serving as Secretary of State, including some communications containing classified materials.

Clinton seized the opportunity to highlight the apparent hypocrisy, quickly responding to the current scandal with a social media post stating: "You've got to be kidding me," accompanied by a link to Goldberg's article.

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Sirens sound across southern Israel after 2 months of calm https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/03/18/sirens-sound-across-southern-israel-after-2-months-of-calm/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/03/18/sirens-sound-across-southern-israel-after-2-months-of-calm/#respond Tue, 18 Mar 2025 17:10:10 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1044969   Sirens sounded in southern Israel on Tuesday after almost two months without alerts resulting from a ballistic missile launch from Yemen toward Israel. According to the IDF spokesperson, the missile was intercepted by the Israeli Air Force before it could cross into Israeli airspace. Residents of southern Israel reported witnessing the missile in the […]

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Sirens sounded in southern Israel on Tuesday after almost two months without alerts resulting from a ballistic missile launch from Yemen toward Israel. According to the IDF spokesperson, the missile was intercepted by the Israeli Air Force before it could cross into Israeli airspace.

Residents of southern Israel reported witnessing the missile in the air, south of Israeli territory, before an Arrow defense system missile struck and destroyed the incoming ballistic projectile. The interception was visible to many observers on the ground, who described seeing the engagement in the skies.

Magen David Adom emergency services reported that as of initial assessments, no physical injuries had been recorded from the incident, though several people were treated for anxiety-related symptoms.

The alerts marked the end of an extended period of calm along Israel's southern border regions, which had not experienced rocket-related warnings since mid-January. The IDF has not yet released information about whether any interceptions were attempted or if the projectile landed in Israeli territory.

The site of the strike in Sanaa, Yemen's capital

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday the launch of a military operation targeting the Houthi rebels in Yemen, stating that the US would not tolerate continued attacks by the Shiite militia on vessels in the Red Sea. Following the American strike, Israeli security officials were preparing for the possibility that the Houthis could resume launching attacks on Israel in the immediate future.

This incident represents the latest in a series of long-range attacks launched from Yemen since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war that began on Oct. 7, 2023. Previous launches from Yemen have included drones and missiles that traveled over 994 miles to reach Israeli territory.

 

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US sanctions Houthis, exposes ties to Moscow https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/03/04/us-sanctions-houthi-members-exposes-ties-to-moscow/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/03/04/us-sanctions-houthi-members-exposes-ties-to-moscow/#respond Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:00:29 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1041939   The US Treasury Department imposed a fresh round of economic sanctions Wednesday on key Houthi officials, exposing an extensive network of weapons deals, financial transfers, and human trafficking operations between the Yemen-based terrorist organization and Russia. Documents released alongside the sanctions detail how Houthi leaders made multiple trips to Moscow, coordinated attacks to avoid […]

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The US Treasury Department imposed a fresh round of economic sanctions Wednesday on key Houthi officials, exposing an extensive network of weapons deals, financial transfers, and human trafficking operations between the Yemen-based terrorist organization and Russia. Documents released alongside the sanctions detail how Houthi leaders made multiple trips to Moscow, coordinated attacks to avoid Russian vessels, and established a mercenary pipeline sending Yemeni citizens to fight in Ukraine in exchange for cash and military support.

According to the Treasury Department, the sanctions target Houthi officials who smuggled military equipment and weapons systems to areas under their control in the Arab country. These individuals also conducted negotiations to purchase weapons and military equipment for the organization from Russia. Against this background, the Office of Foreign Assets Control at the Treasury Department added another activist associated with the Houthis to the list, along with his company, which recruited Yemeni citizens to fight for Russia in Ukraine and transferred funds to support the organization.

As part of efforts to generate revenue, the Yemeni terrorist organization recruited Yemeni citizens to fight in Ukraine for Russia – sometimes through deception. One of the key figures was a senior Houthi commander known as al-Jabari, who managed a sort of manpower company. Through this company, he transferred Yemeni citizens to Russian military units in exchange for cash, creating a new source of income for the organization.

Senior Houthi official Mohammad Ali al-Houthi responded last night to the US State Department's decision to designate Ansar Allah (the Houthis) as a terrorist organization: "Bringing supplies into Gaza is higher on our list of priorities than the American decision, which is illegal," he claimed. "Preventing supplies to Gaza and sabotaging peace agreements is American terrorism, contrary to our support for Gaza through maritime operations."

 The Office of Foreign Assets Control listed the names of senior Houthi officials who will face sanctions. The first figure is Mohammad Abd al-Salam. He is the organization's spokesman in the Sultanate of Oman, who played a key role in managing the Houthis' internal and external funding network. Al-Salam also facilitated weapons deals and support from Russia. As part of this effort, he flew to Moscow to meet with Russian Foreign Ministry officials and coordinate with Russian officers to organize additional Houthi delegations in the country. Another senior figure who will face American sanctions is Ashaq Abd al-Malik al-Marwani. He is an assistant to Abd al-Salam.

The US also mentioned Mahdi Mohammad Hussein al-Mashat – head of the Supreme Political Council of the Houthis in Yemen. As head of the council, he worked to increase cooperation between the Houthis and Russian President Vladimir Putin. It should be noted that he is a close associate of Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi and acts as his representative.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives for a meeting with Abkhazian President-elect Badra Gunba (not pictured) at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, 05 March, 2025 (Photo: EPA/Sergey Bobylev /Spytnik/Kremlin) EPA

The American report also mentions Mohammad Ali al-Houthi. The senior organization member serves on the Supreme Council and in this capacity managed contacts with official representatives from Russia and China. The goal was to ensure that Houthi attacks in the Red Sea would not harm Russian or Chinese vessels. At one point, he also planned to fly to Russia with intelligence operatives to discuss Russian assistance to the organization.

Another senior official who will be subject to sanctions is Ali Mohammad Saleh al-Hadi. He is the head of the Sanaa Chamber of Commerce, which is controlled by the Houthis. In this role, he became a central figure transferring funding to the organization for weapons purchases. As part of this effort, he flew to Russia several times to secure defense equipment for the organization and investments in industries controlled by the Houthis in Yemen.

Two additional senior officials mentioned are Abdul-Malik al-Ghari and Khaled Hussein Jaber. The former participated in Houthi delegations to Russia and China. The latter participated in meetings with Russian Foreign Ministry officials and managed contacts regarding illegal weapons deals.

The sanctions mean that any property or interests of these individuals located in the US or under US control will be blocked. The sanctions also generally prohibit the US or people in the US from being involved in transactions with these individuals.

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Israel issues 'final warning' to Houthis at UN Security Council meeting https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/12/31/israel-issues-final-warning-to-houthis-at-un-security-council-meeting/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/12/31/israel-issues-final-warning-to-houthis-at-un-security-council-meeting/#respond Tue, 31 Dec 2024 04:30:07 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1024327   Israel's UN ambassador issued what he described as a final warning to Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis on Monday, cautioning that they could face severe consequences similar to other regional actors if they continue their missile attacks against Israel, according to Reuters.  Ambassador Danny Danon, addressing the UN Security Council, emphasized Israel's capacity to strike any […]

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Israel's UN ambassador issued what he described as a final warning to Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis on Monday, cautioning that they could face severe consequences similar to other regional actors if they continue their missile attacks against Israel, according to Reuters

Ambassador Danny Danon, addressing the UN Security Council, emphasized Israel's capacity to strike any target in the Middle East, including Iran. However, within hours of his warning, the IDF intercepted a missile fired from Yemen over Israeli territory, triggering warning sirens across the country.

Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesperson, announced on Tuesday that the group had targeted Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv and a power station south of Jerusalem using hypersonic and Zulfiqar ballistic missiles. Following the Israeli military's announcement of the interception, Mohamed Ali al-Houthi, who heads the Houthis' supreme revolutionary committee, declared their attacks would continue, stating on X: "The pounding of the entity [Israel] continues and the support to Gaza continues." 

"To the Houthis, perhaps you have not been paying attention to what has happened to the Middle East over the past year," Danon said during the Security Council session. "Well, allow me to remind you what has happened to Hamas, to Hezbollah, to Assad, to all those who have attempted to destroy us. Let this be your final warning. This is not a threat. It is a promise. You will share the same miserable fate."

Houthi supporters shout slogans and hold their weapons up during an anti-US and anti-Israel protest in Sana'a, Yemen, 27 December 2024. Photo credit: EPA/Yahya Arhab EPA

Before the meeting, Danon told reporters: "Israel will defend its people. If 2,000 kilometers is not enough to separate our children from the terror, let me assure you, it will not be enough to protect their terror from our strengths."

The Houthis have repeatedly launched drones and missiles toward Israel, describing these actions as demonstrations of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

Assistant UN Secretary-General for the Middle East Khaled Khiari expressed serious concern about the escalating violence during the Security Council meeting, urging the Houthis to cease their attacks on Israel and calling for respect of international and humanitarian law. "Further military escalation could jeopardize regional stability with adverse political, security, economic, and humanitarian repercussions," Khiari warned.

Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia, while condemning the Houthi missile attacks, criticized Israel's retaliatory strikes on Yemen and actions by what he termed the "Anglo-Saxon coalition" of US and British warships in the Red Sea, describing them as "clearly not proportional."

 

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'Sandal-wearing fighters to rock stars': The Houthis' journey https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/10/30/sandal-wearing-fighters-to-rock-stars-houthis-rising-threat/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/10/30/sandal-wearing-fighters-to-rock-stars-houthis-rising-threat/#respond Wed, 30 Oct 2024 02:30:49 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1007927   Israel's recent strikes against Iran's regional allies have done little to deter Yemen's Houthi forces, which have emerged as an increasingly significant player in the widening Middle East conflict, according to US officials and analysts reports the Wall Street Journal. While Israeli operations have targeted the leadership of Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in […]

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Israel's recent strikes against Iran's regional allies have done little to deter Yemen's Houthi forces, which have emerged as an increasingly significant player in the widening Middle East conflict, according to US officials and analysts reports the Wall Street Journal.

While Israeli operations have targeted the leadership of Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, including strikes on Iranian missile facilities, the Houthis have continued launching attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. The group has targeted over 80 commercial vessels with drones and missiles since the outbreak of the Gaza war, disrupting global trade routes.

"One of the unfortunate offshoots of the Gaza conflict is...that the Houthis have doubled down on their contacts with other malign actors in the region and beyond," US special envoy for Yemen Timothy Lenderkin said. He described the trend as "very alarming."

The Yemen-based group has avoided the fate of other Iran-backed forces. Israeli strikes killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who orchestrated the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Meanwhile, the Houthis have leveraged the Gaza conflict to boost their standing.

Houthi fighters march during a rally of support for the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and against the US strikes on Yemen outside Sanaa on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024 (Photo: AP) AP

"The Houthis have morphed from sandal-wearing fighters to rock stars. These are people who you want to be associated with right now," said Michael Knights, co-founder of the Militia Spotlight platform, which studies Iran-backed groups in the Middle East.

The group's rise from local force to regional power is documented in a recent United Nations report, which found evidence of Houthi cooperation with various armed groups. The report cited joint operations centers in Iraq and Lebanon aimed at coordinating actions of Iran-backed groups. Lenderking noted "quite extensive" cooperation between the Houthis and Somalia's al-Shabaab group, saying they are discussing ways to "menace and threaten freedom of navigation in the Red Sea." The UN report also revealed agreements between the Houthis and al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula regarding weapons transfers and potential joint operations against the internationally recognized Yemeni government in Aden.

Russia's involvement has added another dimension to the situation. Viktor Bout, the Russian arms dealer exchanged for US basketball star Brittney Griner, is attempting to sell assault rifles to the Houthis. Russia has provided targeting data for Red Sea attacks and is considering supplying anti-ship missiles to the group.

A Russian warship evacuated Iran's missile and drone program commander in Yemen, Abdul Reza Shahlai, from Hodeidah port in April, according to a Western security official. The US has offered $15 million for Shahlai, who is accused of plotting to assassinate the Saudi ambassador in Washington and planning an attack targeting US civilians.

Despite US retaliatory strikes, including an October 16 operation using B-2 Spirit bombers targeting underground weapons stores, the Houthis have maintained their capabilities. While Israel has conducted some strikes against the group, it has largely left confrontation to Western allies.

"The Houthis quickly stepped in to fill the political and military void within the axis of resistance," following Israel's operations against other regional forces, said Mohammed Albasha, a US-based Middle East security analyst.

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Female US Navy pilot achieves historic drone takedown against Houthis https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/07/21/female-us-navy-pilot-achieves-historic-drone-takedown-against-houthis/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/07/21/female-us-navy-pilot-achieves-historic-drone-takedown-against-houthis/#respond Sun, 21 Jul 2024 01:30:55 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=977557   A female US Navy pilot made history by becoming the first American woman aviator to score an air-to-air kill during combat operations, according to a Navy press release. The milestone occurred as part of ongoing US efforts to counter Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea region. The F/A-18F Super Hornet pilot, whose name […]

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A female US Navy pilot made history by becoming the first American woman aviator to score an air-to-air kill during combat operations, according to a Navy press release. The milestone occurred as part of ongoing US efforts to counter Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea region.

The F/A-18F Super Hornet pilot, whose name was not disclosed, is part of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32, known as the "Fighting Swordsmen." The squadron is currently deployed aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier, which has been operating in the area since October.

According to Business Insider, the pilot successfully took down a Houthi "air-to-air contact" during operations. The Navy did not provide specific details about the weapon used or the exact nature of the target.

 The Virginia-based VFA 32 squadron has been at the forefront of these operations. Navy officials reported that the squadron has flown over 3,000 combat hours, completed nearly 1,500 combat missions, and fired more than 20 air-to-air missiles against Houthi attack drones during its deployment.

Commander Carl Ellsworth, speaking about the deployment, said, "I can't remember the last time the Navy had a more challenging deployment with a combination of multiple extensions, severely limited opportunities for R&R, and true combat." He added, "Not just for aviators, but the crew of the whole strike group as well, in the most kinetic action at sea since World War II. Words can't do justice to how proud I am of this 'Zapper' Team."

The historic air-to-air kill wasn't the only milestone achieved during recent operations. An E/A-18G Growler squadron, also stationed aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, became "the first Growler squadron in Navy history to score an air-to-air kill," according to another Navy press release.

These achievements underscore the intensity of the ongoing conflict in the Red Sea. US involvement in the region began as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational effort aimed at protecting commercial shipping from Houthi attacks. The rebels have employed various tactics, including aerial drones, drone boats, and missiles, to target ships navigating the vital waterway.

The F/A-18 Super Hornet, described by manufacturer Boeing as "the backbone" of the Navy carrier air wing, has played a crucial role in these operations. The aircraft can be equipped with various weapons systems, including an M61A1/A2 Vulcan 20mm cannon and several types of air-to-air missiles.

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US aircraft carrier to celebrate 'Taco Tuesday' in message to Houthis https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/06/17/us-aircraft-carrier-to-celebrate-taco-tuesday-in-massage-to-houthis/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/06/17/us-aircraft-carrier-to-celebrate-taco-tuesday-in-massage-to-houthis/#respond Mon, 17 Jun 2024 02:01:19 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=965227   The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, one of the oldest aircraft carriers in the US Navy's fleet, continues its operations in the Red Sea, undeterred by the repeated false claims of Yemen's Houthi rebels that they have hit or even sunk the vessel. According to The Associated Press, the Houthis and online accounts supporting them […]

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The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, one of the oldest aircraft carriers in the US Navy's fleet, continues its operations in the Red Sea, undeterred by the repeated false claims of Yemen's Houthi rebels that they have hit or even sunk the vessel.

According to The Associated Press, the Houthis and online accounts supporting them have repeatedly alleged striking or sinking the carrier as it leads the US response to the rebels' ongoing attacks targeting commercial vessels and warships in the crucial Red Sea waterway.

"I think it's been about two or three times in the past six months we've allegedly been sunk, which we have not been," Captain Christopher "Chowdah" Hill, the carrier's commanding officer, told AP during a recent visit to the ship. "It is almost comical at this point. They're attempting to maybe inspire themselves through misinformation, but it doesn't work on us."

In an effort to counter the Houthi claims, the Navy has allowed journalists to visit the Eisenhower and witness its operations firsthand. During their stay, the journalists explored the nuclear-powered ship's 1,092-foot (332-meter) length and observed its flight deck operations, with no visible signs of damage or distress.

"Other than rust on its side from the hot, humid Red Sea air and water apparently leaking from a pipe in a dining room, the ship appeared no worse for wear," AP reported. "Its flight deck bore no blast damage or gaping holes, just the stink of jet fuel, pooled puddles of oily water, and the scream of engines before its F/A-18 fighter jets took flight."

In addition to allowing media access, Hill has been actively engaging in an information warfare campaign of his own through social media. "The whole intent of the social media outreach was to connect with families, to bring them closer to the ship. So if I can post pictures of sons and daughters, husbands and wives out here, or even fathers and mothers, get it out there, it just kind of brings the family closer to us. And again, that's our support network. But it also took on another role because everyone else was watching to see what we're doing."

"We're going to celebrate 'Taco Tuesdays' because it's my absolute favorite day of the week. That will never end," the captain said. "If you call that an information warfare campaign, you can. It's just who I am, you know, at the end of the day." Hill's social media posts also often feature lighthearted content, such as images of the ship's support animal, a Labrador-golden retriever mix named Captain Demo.

 Despite the Houthis' efforts to undermine morale, Lt. Joseph Hirl from Raleigh, North Carolina, expressed the seriousness with which the crew takes the combat situation, wearing a patch reading: "Go Navy, Beat Houthis."

The prolonged deployment, which has already been extended twice, and concerns over munitions availability remain challenges for the Eisenhower and its crew. However, Captain David Wroe, the commodore overseeing the guided missile destroyers escorting the carrier, acknowledged the need to use appropriate weapons against the Houthis' asymmetrical warfare tactics.

As the Eisenhower continues its patrol alongside the USS Philippine Sea, a cruiser, and two destroyers, Hill remains confident in his crew's readiness and his leadership approach. "I came to a realization at some point in my career that, one of the things that all humans require is to be loved and valued. So I shouldn't be afraid, as a leader, to try to love and value everybody," he said.

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UN: Yemen in imminent danger of world's worst famine in decades https://www.israelhayom.com/2020/11/22/un-yemen-in-imminent-danger-of-worlds-worst-famine-in-decades/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2020/11/22/un-yemen-in-imminent-danger-of-worlds-worst-famine-in-decades/#respond Sun, 22 Nov 2020 06:54:52 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=556931   War-torn Yemen is in imminent danger of the worst famine the world has seen in decades, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Friday. "In the absence of immediate action, millions of lives may be lost," Guterres said of the country that has endured a five-year war between Iranian-backed Houthi rebels and government forces. Follow Israel […]

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War-torn Yemen is in imminent danger of the worst famine the world has seen in decades, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Friday.

"In the absence of immediate action, millions of lives may be lost," Guterres said of the country that has endured a five-year war between Iranian-backed Houthi rebels and government forces.

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The government in Yemen is supported by a Saudi-led coalition, assisted by Western powers including the US. Houthis have targeted Saudi territories in multiple attacks, with the coalition reporting a downed Houthi drone that was heading for Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

"I urge all those with influence to act urgently on these issues to stave off catastrophe, and I also request that everyone avoids taking any action that could make the already dire situation even worse," the secretary-general said.

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US seizes Iranian weapons en route to Yemen's Houthi rebels https://www.israelhayom.com/2020/07/09/us-seizes-iranian-weapons-en-route-to-yemens-houthi-rebels/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2020/07/09/us-seizes-iranian-weapons-en-route-to-yemens-houthi-rebels/#respond Thu, 09 Jul 2020 05:09:06 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=508489 US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced on Wednesday that US and allied forces seized a boat in June carrying Iranian weapons meant for Houthi rebels in Yemen as he renewed his call for the UN Security Council to extend an arms embargo on Iran. "The Security Council must extend the arms embargo on Iran […]

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US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced on Wednesday that US and allied forces seized a boat in June carrying Iranian weapons meant for Houthi rebels in Yemen as he renewed his call for the UN Security Council to extend an arms embargo on Iran.

"The Security Council must extend the arms embargo on Iran to prevent further conflict in the region," Pompeo told a State Department news conference. "No serious person can possibly believe Iran will use any weapon it receives for peaceful ends."

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Pompeo is leading a US drive to persuade the Security Council to extend the embargo due to expire in mid-October under the terms of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal from which the United States withdrew in 2018.

He took his appeal directly to the council last week, with an address to its 15 members. But veto-wielding Russia and China signaled their opposition to an extension.

At his news conference, Pompeo said that US and unidentified "partner" forces interdicted a vessel off Yemen's coast on June 28 that was carrying Iranian arms to Houthi rebels.

"Iran is not abiding by the UN arms embargo that is due to expire in less than four months now," he said.

The weapons, he said, included 200 rocket-propelled grenades, more than 1,700 assault rifles, 21 surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles, several anti-tank missiles "and other advanced weapons and missiles."

Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have been fighting the Yemeni government, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, since 2015.

Pompeo noted that a report by US Secretary General Antonio Guterres last week confirmed US charges that weapons seized by US forces in November 2019 and February 2020 were "of Iranian origin."

Iran's mission to the United Nations said there were "serious flaws, inaccuracies, and discrepancies" in Guterres's report.

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