CENTCOM: Houthi Claims of 'Successful' Attack on U.S. Aircraft Carrier 'Completely Incorrect'; Eisenhower Returns Home

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) described the claims by the Iranian-backed Houthis regarding a 'successful' attack on the USS Eisenhower as 'completely incorrect' and announced that the Eisenhower is returning home. CENTCOM stated in a post on X that the Eisenhower, with over 30,000 flight hours and having traveled more than 88,500 kilometers in the waters, demonstrated America's commitment to maintaining regional stability and protecting freedom of navigation throughout the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. CENTCOM added that during its mission, the Eisenhower upheld its commitment to the security of all mariners and the rescue of stranded sailors following illegal attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis on innocent mariners. According to the U.S. Central Command announcement, the USS Theodore Roosevelt strike group will enter the area under CENTCOM's responsibility and, with its capabilities, will enhance the ability of U.S. forces to deter aggression and protect regional stability. In another post, CENTCOM announced that its forces destroyed three unmanned surface vessels belonging to the Iranian-backed Houthis in the Red Sea from Friday, July 1 to Saturday. CENTCOM stated that the Iranian-backed Houthis also launched three anti-ship ballistic missiles from their controlled area in Yemen towards the Gulf of Aden. According to the U.S. Central Command report, no casualties or significant damage have been reported. The Associated Press also reported that the Houthis targeted a commercial vessel moving in the Gulf of Aden, which resulted in no damage. The British Maritime Trade Operations Center stated that the captain of the ship targeted late Friday witnessed 'explosions near the vessel.' Since November, the Houthis have carried out dozens of drone and missile attacks on ships in the Red Sea, Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and Gulf of Aden, claiming these actions are in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza. They have sunk one ship, seized another, and killed four sailors in separate attacks. Houthi attacks have disrupted the global shipping industry. The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency reported that this issue has affected at least 65 countries and major energy and transportation companies, including Shell and BP. On January 17, the U.S. government re-designated the Houthis of Yemen, known as 'Ansar Allah,' to the Specially Designated Global Terrorists list. Houthi militants claimed a drone attack on four ships in Haifa port. Another attack by Iranian-backed Houthis targeted a ship in the Gulf of Aden. The U.S. military and coalition forces engaged with Houthi militants; 9 drones were destroyed. The U.S. imposed sanctions on several Houthi arms supply networks. The crew of the 'Verbena' ship was rescued; CENTCOM stated that the 'Jamaran' frigate did not respond to their request for help. The crew of a Greek ship that was attacked by the Houthis was evacuated; one person is missing. Rescue operations for the crew of the Greek ship hit by the Houthis continue. Heads of 9 international organizations called for the release of 17 of their staff by the Houthis. Houthi sabotage in international waters continues; attacks on two cargo ships belonging to Switzerland and Germany. The British security company Ambrey reported that a cargo ship was hit by a missile off the coast of Yemen.