Illustrative image. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Derek Kelley)
A second aircraft carrier of the United States Navy has arrived in the Middle East, where American forces are carrying out near-daily strikes against the Houthis (Ansar Allah) in Yemen.
In a post to the X social network on April 11, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said that USS Carl Vinson, which is carrying F-35C Lightning II stealth fighter jets, was now operating alongside the USS Harry S. Truman in the region.
The command also released side-by-side video clips of F-35C and F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets taking off from the two carriers.
The Pentagon announced last week that it was increasing the number of American carriers in the Middle East to two, without providing much details.
CENTCOM resumed strikes against Houthi-controlled areas on March 15 on orders from President Donald Trump, who said that the large-scale operation was launched in response to the group’s renewed attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. Since then, around 90 people, including commanders of the Houthis and civilians, have been killed.
Overnight, the Al-Masirah TV, which is run by the Houthis, reported another U.S. attack on Yemen, with some 11 strikes targeting the region around the capital, Sanaa. The news channel didn’t report any casualties.
The Houthis have also been targeting USS Harry S. Truman with drones and missiles on a near-daily basis since the start of the U.S. operation in Yemen. So far, CENTCOM has not acknowledged any damage to the carrier or any of the vessels accompanying it.
The U.S. operation has so far failed to deter the Houthis or to degrade their military capabilities. Still, the Trump administration apparently wants to double down, possibly in a show of force to Iran. Tehran, the main backer of the Houthis, is set to engage in indirect talks with Washington before the end of the week.
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