U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) has released details of an intense and sustained campaign against the Houthi terrorist organization in Yemen, ongoing since March 15th. The operation, dubbed “Operation Rough Rider,” aims to restore freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and re-establish American deterrence in the region, following months of disruptive attacks on international shipping lanes by the Iranian-backed group.
According to a USCENTCOM statement, the operations have been executed with “detailed and comprehensive intelligence,” ensuring “lethal effects against the Houthis while minimizing risk to civilians.” While specific details of ongoing and future operations remain undisclosed for security reasons, USCENTCOM emphasized a deliberate operational approach.
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Since the commencement of Operation Rough Rider, U.S. forces have struck over 800 targets, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Houthi fighters and numerous key leaders. The eliminated figures include senior Houthi officials responsible for missile and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) programs, significantly impacting the group’s operational capabilities.
The strikes have systematically dismantled critical Houthi infrastructure, including multiple command-and-control facilities, air defense systems, advanced weapons manufacturing plants, and advanced weapons storage locations. These storage sites housed a dangerous arsenal of advanced conventional weapons, such as anti-ship ballistic and cruise missiles, unmanned aerial systems, and uncrewed surface vessels, all of which have been employed in attacks on international shipping.
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While Houthi attacks on U.S. vessels have persisted, USCENTCOM reports a significant degradation in the pace and effectiveness of these assaults. Notably, ballistic missile launches have decreased by 69%, and attacks using one-way attack drones have fallen by 55%.
A significant blow to the Houthis’ operational and financial capacity was the destruction of Ras Isa Port’s ability to accept fuel. USCENTCOM anticipates this will severely impact the Houthis’ ability to conduct military operations and disrupt their multi-million dollar revenue streams generated through illicit activities at the port.
Operation Rough Rider is being conducted by a robust assembly of forces, including two Carrier Strike Groups: the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group and the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group. USCENTCOM lauded the “well-trained and professional forces” for their effective delivery of “precise and lethal strikes against Houthi military capabilities.”
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The statement pointed to Iran’s continued support as crucial for the Houthis’ ability to sustain their attacks.
“Iran undoubtedly continues to provide support to the Houthis. The Houthis can only continue to attack our forces with the backing of the Iranian regime,” the statement asserted.
USCENTCOM reiterated its commitment to the mission, stating, “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.”
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