The Iranian-backed Yemeni Houthis warned they were strengthening air defenses in a challenge to U.S. military strikes against the group that has threatened one of the world’s most important shipping routes through the Red Sea.

Newsweek has reached out to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) for comment.

Why It Matters

U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this month ordered air strikes against the Houthis, who threatened to renew attacks on shipping in solidarity with Hamas forces in Gaza after a ceasefire with Israel broke down and Israeli forces resumed an offensive.

A new spotlight on the Houthi attacks has followed the revelation of the discussions over the initial strikes in a chat on the messaging app Signal. Trump administration officials had accidentally included a journalist in a group chat in which they discussed sensitive U.S. military plans and intelligence – reportedly supplied by Israel. The Houthis have not commented directly on the messages.

What To Know

The Houthi military said there would be “significant advancements in Yemen’s air defenses in the upcoming phase, which will lead to the downing of the latest warplanes,” in a statement on its Telegram channel on Friday. It did not detail exactly what these were or where they might have got new equipment.

U.S. airstrikes have continued against the group in Yemen. Meanwhile, the Houthis claim to have targeted the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier multiple times in the Red Sea but there have been no reports of damage.

Houthi leader Abdul Malek al-Houthi said in a speech on Thursday that the development of Yemen’s military capabilities “may surprise the United States” and warned regional powers from “engaging with America in bombing Yemen.”

What People Are Saying

Houthi Head of the Supreme Political Council Mahdi Al-Mashat: “I say to the criminal Trump that your entire presidential term will not be enough to deter us. More than that, even the remainder of your lifetime is insufficient—especially given that you have reached an advanced age.”

U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social, last week: “Tremendous damage has been inflicted upon the Houthi barbarians, and watch how it will get progressively worse — It’s not even a fair fight, and never will be. They will be completely annihilated!”

What Happens Next

The United States is expanding its military presence at the Diego Garcia airbase in the Indian Ocean, intensifying pressure on Iran while sustaining its airstrikes against Houthi forces in Yemen, who continue to launch attacks, which include firing ballistic missiles and drones at Israel.