Second American Aircraft Carrier Arrives in the Middle East
The USS Carl Vinson, a second American aircraft carrier, has officially arrived in the Middle East, where it will join operations against Yemen’s Houthi rebels. This deployment was confirmed by the U.S. military on Thursday, following an announcement that U.S. forces are conducting nearly daily airstrikes in the region.
Equipped with F-35C stealth fighter jets, the USS Carl Vinson will operate alongside the USS Harry S. Truman. The U.S. Central Command shared a post on social media platform X, showcasing footage of aircraft taking off from both carriers, highlighting their enhanced military presence in this volatile area.
Pentagon’s Increased Naval Presence
Last week, the Pentagon revealed a strategic decision to double the number of American aircraft carriers in the Middle East. This move comes in response to escalating tensions and the initiation of an air campaign against the Iran-supported Houthis, which began in March. The U.S. aims to neutralize the threats that the Houthis pose to both civilian and military maritime operations.
This increase in naval power underscores the United States’ commitment to safeguarding international shipping routes from potential disruptions, which have been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in the region.
U.S. Airstrikes Targeting Houthi Positions
According to a U.S. defense official who spoke to AFP on Wednesday, the United States has conducted airstrikes on more than 100 targets in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen since March 15. These targets have included significant command-and-control centers, as well as sites for weapons manufacturing and storage.
Despite the effectiveness of these airstrikes, the Houthis continue to assert their influence in Yemen, where they have held control over large territories and actively engage in conflict with a Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government since 2015.
Houthis Escalate Attacks on Shipping
The Houthi rebels have recently intensified their attacks on shipping, which they claim is a gesture of solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza. This surge in aggression follows the military operations initiated by Israel in October 2023 in response to a surprise attack by Hamas.
As a result of the Houthis’ activities, maritime traffic through the Suez Canal—a vital artery for global trade—has been impacted. This disruption forces many shipping companies to reroute around the southern tip of Africa, incurring significant additional costs.
Bipartisan Commitment to Combat Houthi Threats
The United States has been actively targeting the Houthis since the Biden administration, implementing military actions designed to mitigate threats to maritime security. Former President Donald Trump reiterated recently that operations against the rebels will continue until they cease any threats to shipping in the region.
This bipartisan commitment to ensuring safe maritime passages reflects a broader strategy aimed at stabilizing the Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape, as conflicts in the region increasingly pose risks to global trade and security.
