Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
Houthi-affiliated media reported that new U.S. airstrikes targeted areas in the provinces of Hodeidah and Saada in northern and western Yemen.
According to these media outlets, the strikes on Thursday night hit Ras Issa in Al-Salif, Hodeidah, in western Yemen.
Additionally, U.S. airstrikes targeted eastern Saada, the stronghold of the Houthi leader in northern Yemen.
Houthi media claimed that since March 15, U.S. strikes in Yemen have resulted in 61 deaths and 139 injuries.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) announced that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had ordered the deployment of additional air assets to strengthen the U.S. military posture in the Middle East.
The Pentagon stated that the secretary directed the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier group to remain in the Middle East to support regional deterrence efforts and protect U.S. forces. Additionally, the USS Carl Vinson carrier group will arrive in the region to deter aggression and ensure the free flow of trade.
The Pentagon did not specify the exact locations where the carriers would be deployed, but the move follows last month’s claim by the Houthis that they had targeted the Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier in the Red Sea.
The Pentagon further stated that the defense secretary had ordered the deployment of additional fighter squadrons and other air assets to enhance U.S. defensive capabilities in the region.
Additionally, the Pentagon reaffirmed the US and its partners’ commitment to regional security in the Middle East, stating that they remain ready to respond to any party attempting to escalate or expand the conflict.
The Pentagon also warned that the U.S. would take decisive action if Iran or its proxies threatened US forces or Washington’s interests in the region.
On March 15, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he had ordered a “major offensive” against the Houthis in Yemen, vowing to “completely eliminate them.”
