In the last two days, U.S. Navy vessels and aircraft have carried out a series of military operations against multiple targets associated with the Houthi movement in Yemen, particularly in the capital, Sana’a. This intervention represents the most substantial military action in the region since the USS Gettysburg incident on December 22, when an F/A-18F fighter jet was unintentionally shot down during nighttime maneuvers.
Targeted Airstrikes and Operations
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the airstrikes on December 30 and 31 were aimed at a Houthi command and control center, as well as several advanced facilities responsible for producing and storing conventional weapons, including missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs).
These sites were linked to Houthi assaults on U.S. naval forces and commercial ships operating in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Houthi state media claimed that a dozen airstrikes hit Sana’a, but CENTCOM chose not to reveal which specific ships or units took part in the operations.
Currently, the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, complete with Carrier Air Wing 1, is stationed in the Red Sea region.
Interception of Threats
In addition to these strikes, U.S. Navy and Air Force aircraft successfully intercepted several cruise missiles and drones launched over the Red Sea in the same two-day period; however, their intended targets remain unclear.
CENTCOM confirmed that no injuries or damage to U.S. personnel or equipment occurred during the recent strikes.
The previous December 22 incident, where the USS Gettysburg mistakenly shot down a fighter jet from Strike Fighter Squadron 11, fortunately ended with both crew members ejecting safely before the missile hit.
An investigation into that mishap is still underway.
Continued Houthi Capabilities
Since October 2023, U.S. forces and their allies have been intercepting Houthi drones and missiles.
Recently, the focus has shifted to intensified bombing campaigns targeting Houthi military capabilities within Yemen.
CENTCOM has framed these efforts as vital for countering Iran-backed threats to regional allies and maritime operations.
Yet, the Houthis still exhibit striking offensive abilities.
For instance, they launched a ballistic missile at Israel on December 26, leading to the deployment of the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system by the U.S. Army in a combat capacity for the first time—this system had been in position in Israel since October.
Source: Taskandpurpose.com