The leader of Ansarullah, also known as the Houthis, announced a new campaign on Sunday “against American and Israeli oppression,” threatening to escalate actions against U.S. military assets in the Middle East, Breitbart reported.

Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, head of the Houthi-controlled region of Yemen, made the remarks in response to airstrikes announced by President Donald Trump on Saturday. Trump stated that he had approved “aerial attacks on the terrorists’ bases, leaders, and missile defenses” after the Houthis disrupted global trade near the Red Sea in support of Hamas.

The Houthis have been targeting commercial ships since Hamas invaded Israel in October 2023. Trump’s airstrikes came after the Houthis threatened to resume maritime attacks, ending a temporary lull following a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.

In his speech, al-Houthi called Trump’s airstrikes a “failure” and vowed retaliation. “Our armed forces have begun responding to the American aggression,” he said. “The aircraft carrier and American warships will be targets for us, and the navigation ban will include the Americans as long as they persist in their aggression.”

Al-Houthi also stated that the Houthis had attacked the USS Harry Truman, part of “Operation Prosperity Guardian,” a Biden administration initiative aimed at ensuring navigation freedom. While Houthi spokespeople claimed success, U.S. officials reported that the Houthis’ missile and drone attacks failed.

The Houthis have consistently targeted commercial vessels in the Red Sea region, claiming their focus is on U.S., Israeli, and British ships, though many attacks have involved vessels unrelated to the conflict. Al-Houthi confirmed plans to escalate, vowing further measures against American assets.

Read more at Breitbart.