U.S. military has been blocking more than 800 targets since mid-March, with a campaign aimed at eliminating Houthi terrorists and restoring freedom of voyage in the Red Sea, according to an update from Central Command.
Since the launch of “Operation Roughrider” on March 15, the US military has been running a “fierce and sustained campaign” to dismantle the capabilities of Iran-backed Houthi terrorist organizations, Centcom said Monday. The strike destroyed key military infrastructure, including command centers, air defense systems, advanced weapons manufacturing sites, and stockpiling of outboard missiles and drones.
“These strikes killed hundreds of Hooty fighters and numerous Hooty leaders, including senior Hooty missiles and UAV officials,” the statement read.
Houthis’ ability to launch an attack on international shipping was hit hard. US officials say ballistic missile launches have dropped by 69%, while one-way suicide drone attacks have dropped by 55% since surgery began.
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In this handout, released on January 12, 2024, missiles will be released from warships during a US-led coalition operation against Iran-backed Hooty militia and a US-led coalition operation against Iran-backed Hooty militia (US Central Command via X/File Photo)
The port of Ras Isa (formerly the important Houthi Fuling Hub) was also destroyed, blocking out the important revenue streams that the group used to fund its terrorist activities.
The update comes after concerns about the rapid speed at which the attack campaign has dried up munitions stockpile, and Congressional officials have already reported that the campaign costs have already exceeded $1 billion, the New York Times first reported.
Houthis says at a solidarity show between Gaza and the Palestinians in Hamas, he will continue to lobby projectiles and launch drones towards commercial and military vessels in the western Red Sea.
Houthi supporters will gather on March 15 to show support to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip in Sanaa, Yemen (Reuters/Khaled Abdullah)
Sunday’s update was the first after six weeks of bombing.
They did not reveal how many civilians were killed or the costs of the campaign. The US currently has two aircraft carriers in the region, sending new fighter jets, bombers and air defense units.
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“We purposefully limit disclosure of ongoing or future operational details to maintain operational security. We are extremely cautious in our operational approach, but we do not reveal any details about what we have done or what we will do,” the statement read.
Despite our claims of success, some lawmakers and military analysts question whether the strike has achieved lasting results. Critics argue that the campaign has diminished some Houthi capabilities, but has not stopped attacks on ships, US naval vessels or international maritime traffic completely.
Crater created by US airstrikes. (Donald Trump/Truth Social)
“We will continue to raise the pressure until our objectives are met, which continues to maintain the restoration of freedom of voyage in the region and American deterrence,” the statement said.
The Houthi attack was at the heart of a bomb report on a signal group of top cabinet officials at Trump Ministers, which used chat to discuss details and in the case of Vice President JD Vance, aviation complaints about planned strikes.
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“I think we’re making a mistake,” Vance wrote in Signal Chat.
“I don’t know if the President knows how inconsistent this is with his message in Europe right now.” The commercial ships being attacked in the Red Sea are primarily Europeans.
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