INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
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
significant military action since returning to office in January
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
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.
