At least four people were killed in US airstrikes on Yemen’s Hodeidah region, marking the latest escalation in Washington’s military campaign against Houthi forces. The attacks come as the US announced the deployment of a second aircraft carrier and additional warplanes to the Middle East.
Anees Alasbahi, spokesperson for the Houthi Health Ministry, confirmed that three people were killed in an airstrike on a water management facility in Al-Mansouriyah, Hodeidah. The death toll later rose to four, according to Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV. Reports also indicated strikes in Hajjah and Saada, though the US has not officially confirmed its involvement.
Since launching its military offensive against the Houthis on March 15, the US has killed more than 60 people in Yemen. The strikes follow Houthi threats to renew attacks on Israeli-linked shipping in the Red Sea in response to Israel’s violation of the Gaza ceasefire.
In response to escalating tensions, the US military has decided to maintain two aircraft carriers in the region. The USS Carl Vinson will join the USS Harry S Truman, which is already stationed in the Red Sea. Additional military aircraft, including B-2 bombers, have also been deployed to the Diego Garcia base, a US-British military installation in the Indian Ocean.
Houthi forces claimed they launched multiple cruise missiles and drones at US military vessels in the Truman carrier group, marking the third attack on US warships in 24 hours. While Washington has not disclosed the specifics of its military response, the Pentagon stated that the US remains committed to regional security and is prepared to counter any escalation by state or non-state actors.
Meanwhile, rising tensions between the US and Iran have further complicated the situation. Former US President Donald Trump vowed to continue strikes on Houthi fighters until they cease threats to international shipping. He also warned Iran that military action would follow if Tehran did not agree to a nuclear deal on US terms.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded, warning that any US attack would be met with a strong response. The aerospace commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, Amirali Hajizadeh, also reminded Washington of its vulnerability, stating, “They are in a glass house and should not throw stones.” Reports suggest that Iranian forces have readied missiles capable of striking US positions in response to Trump’s threats.
With tensions mounting, the US military buildup in the Middle East signals the potential for further escalation in an already volatile region.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/2/us-attacks-kill-4-in-yemen-as-second-aircraft-carrier-sent-to-middle-east