US deploys second aircraft carrier in Middle East
What's the story
The US is set to increase its military presence in the Middle East, with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth directing the deployment of a 2nd aircraft carrier.
The strategic deployment seeks to counter Houthi rebel attacks and deter Iranian aggression.
The decision was confirmed to the Associated Press by an anonymous US official, marking the second time in six months that 2 carrier strike groups will be in the region.
Deployment extension
USS Truman and USS Vinson extended in Middle East
Defense Secretary Hegseth has signed orders extending the deployment of the USS Harry S. Truman, now in the Red Sea fighting Houthi rebels, for at least another month.
The carrier was supposed to return home to Norfolk, Virginia by the end of March.
Hegseth has also ordered the USS Carl Vinson from Pacific operations to start transiting to the Middle East and extend its scheduled deployment by three months.
Rising tensions
Houthi rebels escalate attacks on commercial and military vessels
The decision to strengthen US naval presence comes amid rising tensions in the region.
Houthi rebels have consistently targeted commercial and military ships: over 100 merchant vessels were hit by missiles and drones between November 2023 and January 2024.
The assaults led to two ships sinking and four sailors' deaths, leading to an intensified US military campaign against the Iran-backed group.
Military response
US vows to apply relentless force on Yemen
The US has begun a barrage of strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, with Washington promising relentless and overwhelming force until the Houthis stop their strikes on the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
The sea lanes carry about 12% of the global shipping traffic.
The Houthis, part of Iran's "axis of resistance" against the US and Israel, have been disrupting the trade lane since the Gaza war broke, in solidarity with Palestinians.