The U.S. military announced on Thursday that a second aircraft carrier, sent by the United States to the Middle East to protect trade flows, has arrived in the region. Meanwhile, the U.S. military is currently conducting an intensive campaign of airstrikes against the Houthis in Yemen.
In a statement on the "X" platform, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced, "The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and its air wing, which includes F-35C Lightning II fighter jets, are operating alongside the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in CENTCOM's area of responsibility."
According to a U.S. military official, the United States has hit more than 100 targets in Yemen since launching its latest air campaign against Iranian-backed rebels in mid-March.
The Houthis have been carrying out attacks on U.S. warships and on Israel, claiming these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The rebels began targeting ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, as well as Israeli territory, following the outbreak of the war in Gaza in October 2023. They ceased their attacks after a ceasefire in the region took effect in January.
Israel cut off all supplies to Gaza starting in early March and resumed its offensive on the Palestinian enclave on March 18, effectively ending the brief ceasefire.
The new U.S. campaign follows threats from the Houthis to resume attacks due to the Israeli blockade on Gaza.