President Donald Trump ordered extensive airstrikes against Yemens Iran-backed Houthi rebels on March 15.
The strikes killed 53 people.Fighter jets from the USS Harry S.
Truman and US Air Force targeted Houthi radar systems, air defenses, and missile capabilities across Yemen.
Trump promised to deploy overwhelming lethal force until the rebels stop attacking ships in the Red Sea.The operation marks Trumps most significant military action since returning to office in January.
He directly warned Iran to cease support for the Houthis, threatening to hold Tehran fully accountable for their actions.In response, the Houthis claimed to have launched 18 missiles and a drone at the USS Harry S.
Truman carrier group on Sunday.
US officials acknowledged the rebels fired 11 drones and at least one missile but said nothing came close to hitting American vessels.Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi vowed to target US vessels as long as American attacks continue.
We will confront escalation with escalation, he declared in a televised address.Trump Launches Decisive Strike Against Houthis: Your Time is Up'.
(Photo Internet reproduction)Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth promised an unrelenting campaign until Houthi hostilities cease.
National Security Advisor Michael Waltz claimed the strikes eliminated multiple Houthi leaders without providing specific names.The Houthis have attacked the US Navy 174 times and targeted commercial vessels 145 times over the past 18 months.
These attacks disrupted shipping through a crucial maritime route that handles approximately 12% of global trade.The rebel group temporarily halted attacks during a Gaza ceasefire in January.
They recently threatened to resume targeting Israeli vessels after accusing Israel of restricting humanitarian aid to Gaza.US officials describe this campaign as a sustained offensive that could last several weeks.
The strikes represent a significant escalation compared to previous limited operations against Houthi targets.