In a major escalation against the Houthi terrorist group in Yemen, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that it has launched over 800 targeted strikes since March 15, under Operation Rough Rider, aimed at restoring freedom of navigation and reinforcing American deterrence in the region.
In a statement released on Sunday, CENTCOM said the intense and sustained military campaign has significantly curtailed Houthi attacks on international shipping, noting that ballistic missile launches have dropped by 69 per cent, and drone strikes have decreased by 55 per cent.
“Since March 15, US Central Command forces have conducted an intense and sustained campaign targeting the Houthi terrorist organisation in Yemen to restore freedom of navigation and American deterrence,” the statement read.
CENTCOM confirmed that its operations have killed hundreds of Houthi fighters, including senior leaders involved in missile and drone operations. The strikes have also destroyed multiple command-and-control centers, air defense systems, advanced weapons manufacturing facilities, and storage locations housing anti-ship ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and unmanned surface vessels.
The US military emphasized that while Houthi attacks have continued, the pace and effectiveness of their operations have been heavily degraded. CENTCOM specifically noted that the destruction of the Ras Isa Port’s fuel handling capacity will further cripple the Houthis’ operational capabilities and curtail their ability to generate millions in revenue for their terror activities.
The operation has been supported by a formidable naval presence, including the Harry S. Truman and Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Groups. “We are extremely proud of our well-trained and professional forces as they have effectively delivered precise and lethal strikes against Houthi military capabilities,” CENTCOM stated.
The US also reiterated its criticism of Iran, accusing Tehran of continuing to provide material support to the Houthis. “The Houthis can only continue to attack our forces with the backing of the Iranian regime. We will continue to ratchet up the pressure until the objective is met, which remains the restoration of freedom of navigation and American deterrence in the region,” CENTCOM declared.
Houthi attacks on international vessels had escalated following the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza conflict in late 2023, despite then-President Joe Biden warning Iran and its proxies against involvement. Initially, the Houthis claimed to target only Israeli-linked ships; however, they later expanded their attacks to include vessels from numerous other nations, further threatening global maritime security.
The United States has vowed to continue the pressure campaign until the safety and security of critical shipping lanes through the Red Sea and surrounding waters are fully restored.