U.S. Intensifies Airstrikes Against Houthis in Yemen as Carrier-Led Campaign Escalates
The U.S. military has significantly ramped up its operations against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, deploying two aircraft carriers—the USS Carl Vinson and USS Harry S. Truman—in a relentless 24/7 bombing campaign. The strikes, targeting Houthi-controlled areas, have reportedly caused heavy casualties, including a deadly attack on a key Yemeni port that left at least 80 dead.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) that the two carriers are conducting round-the-clock operations against the Iran-backed Houthi forces. Video footage released by CENTCOM showed U.S. warplanes being armed with bombs before launching from the carriers to carry out airstrikes.
The latest escalation comes as part of a broader U.S. military offensive, ordered by President Donald Trump last month, aimed at crippling the Houthis’ ability to attack international shipping lanes and disrupt regional security.
24/7 operations for the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) against Iran-backed Houthis...#HouthisAreTerrorists pic.twitter.com/zFKb3oCiC4
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 18, 2025
On Friday, the Houthis reported that a U.S. airstrike on the port of Ras Issa in Al Hudaydah Governorate killed 80 people and wounded over 100—marking one of the deadliest single attacks in the ongoing campaign.
The Yemeni Red Sea Ports Corporation stated that the bombing caused severe damage to the oil terminal, disrupting critical operations and threatening regional fuel supplies. The Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah TV channel cited local health officials, warning that the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continue.
In response, the Houthis launched retaliatory attacks, claiming to have struck near Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport with a ballistic missile and targeting the USS Truman and USS Carl Vinson in the Red and Arabian Seas using drones and missiles.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree declared during a rally in Sanaa that the group would continue its operations in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The rebels have repeatedly attacked Israeli-linked ships and U.S. naval assets since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023.
The U.S. military campaign, which began in mid-March, follows the collapse of a two-month truce in Gaza and the Houthis’ renewed threats against maritime traffic. Washington accuses Iran of arming the rebels, further complicating already tense U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations.
As the conflict escalates, concerns grow over a wider regional war, with the Houthis vowing to continue their assaults and the U.S. signaling no let-up in its aerial bombardment.
