U.S. Airstrikes in Yemen: Escalation of Military Engagement Against Houthis
Suspected U.S. airstrikes in Yemen reportedly killed at least four individuals near Hodeida. The strikes aimed at Houthi rebels coincide with their continued attacks on U.S. warships. The military campaign has intensified under the Trump administration, marking a shift in strategy. Houthi threats against vessels they claim are Israeli are driving the recent hostilities.
Recently, suspected United States airstrikes in Yemen are reported to have killed at least four individuals near Hodeida, as stated by Houthi rebels. The strikes targeted what the Houthis referred to as a “water project” in the Mansuriyah District of Hodeida governorate, resulting in casualties and injuries. Additional strikes were reportedly recorded in Hajjah, Saada, and Sanaa governorates as part of the ongoing military operations.
The Houthis claim that they have continued to launch attacks against American warships in the Red Sea, particularly the USS Harry S. Truman, which has been actively conducting strikes against them. Although no U.S. warship has suffered damage, the intensity of Houthi fire is described by the U.S. Navy as the most significant combat engagement faced by its sailors since World War II. The USS Carl Vinson is also being deployed to the Middle East as reinforcement.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell announced that “additional squadrons and other air assets” would be sent to the region, signaling the potential deployment of nuclear-capable B-2 bombers to Diego Garcia. The U.S. has previously utilized these bombers to target Houthi locations in Yemen and may employ them in any future actions against Iran’s nuclear facilities.
The recent campaign of airstrikes by the U.S. marks a significant intensification of military engagement, as evidenced by an Associated Press review indicating that the operations under the Trump administration are more extensive than those during President Biden’s tenure. This new military offensive commenced following Houthi threats to target vessels they believe are Israeli in response to Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The Houthis previously targeted over 100 merchant vessels from November 2023 until January of this year, resulting in two sunk vessels and four fatal outcomes for sailors. Despite their sustained hostile actions toward American naval forces, no U.S. warship has yet been hit. As the conflict in Yemen continues, the Houthis also enact stringent measures against dissent amidst dire economic conditions in the nation.
In summary, the recent airstrikes by the United States in Yemen have heightened military tensions in the region, particularly involving the Houthis. The operations seem to have expanded significantly under the current administration compared to previous strategies, as they now target leadership personnel instead of solely launch sites. This escalation arises amidst ongoing threats from the Houthis against alleged Israeli vessels, contributing to the complexity of the ongoing conflict in Yemen.
Original Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
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