On the morning of March 18, local time, Houthi rebel spokesperson Yahya Saree announced that in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen, the Houthis launched two missiles and two drones at the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Truman located in the northern Red Sea. The Houthis also targeted another U.S. destroyer with one missile and four drones.

This marks the third attack on the USS Truman by the Houthis within 48 hours.

On the same day, the Houthi rebels issued a statement condemning Israel for "resuming aggression against the Gaza Strip and attacking Gaza civilians."

The Houthis pledged to continue supporting the Palestinian people in Gaza and escalate their countermeasures.

Trump: Any Attack or Retaliation by the Houthi Rebels Will Be Met with a Strong Counterstrike

On March 17, local time, former President Donald Trump posted again on his social media platform "Truth Social," warning that any further attacks or retaliation by the Houthi rebels would be met with a strong counterstrike, and such a counterattack could escalate.

Shortly after Trump’s post, reports emerged stating that on the evening of March 17, U.S. military airstrikes targeted areas under Houthi control in the Al Hudaydah province, specifically in the Salif and Bajil regions. On the morning of March 18, airstrikes were also reported in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a.