US Deploys Second Aircraft Carrier to Middle East, Intensifies Offensive against Houthis

The Trump administration has deployed a second aircraft carrier, the USS Carl Vinson, to the Middle East to bolster military operations against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, alongside the USS Harry S. Truman, which will have its deployment extended by at least a month. This dual-carrier presence is a rare move, as the US typically maintains only one carrier in the region, and aims to intensify airstrikes against Houthi infrastructure, which has been increasingly aggressive towards international shipping in the Red Sea. Recent operations have involved over 50 precision airstrikes targeting Houthi leadership and military capabilities, in response to numerous attacks on merchant vessels. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's strategy marks a significant shift from the previous administration's more restrained approach, allowing greater operational autonomy and a broader target scope against the Houthis. The escalation follows claims by Houthi leaders that their attacks are in retaliation for the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. This military buildup signals a clear deterrent message to Iran, the Houthis’ main backer, amid rising tensions in the region.