In a decisive effort to counter the escalating threat posed by Houthi rebels to international maritime traffic, the U.S. Navy has launched Operation Prosperity Guardian, a sustained combat operation aimed at securing vital shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The operation, initiated on March 15, follows a directive from President Donald Trump to employ “overwhelming lethal force” against Iranian-backed forces threatening U.S. interests in the region. The campaign involves proactive strikes on various targets, moving beyond the retaliatory actions of previous operations.
Carrier Air Wing 1, operating from the USS Harry S. Truman, has conducted numerous airstrikes targeting Houthi command and control centers, missile launch sites, and drone facilities across Yemen. These actions aim to dismantle the rebels’ capability to target commercial and military vessels transiting the strategic waterways.
In addition to air operations, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers have launched RGM-109 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles against Houthi positions. The U.S. Central Command reports that these precision strikes have significantly degraded the Houthis’ ability to launch attacks, with a notable reduction in ballistic missile and drone assaults.
Despite these efforts, the Houthis have continued to target shipping in the region, justifying their actions as support for Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Since 2023, there have been over 174 attempted engagements against U.S. Navy assets and 145 against commercial shipping, resulting in disruptions to global trade and heightened security concerns.
The U.S. Navy’s enhanced presence, including the deployment of the USS Carl Vinson to join the USS Harry S. Truman, serves as both a deterrent to further aggression and a reassurance to allies and commercial interests. The operation also underscores the strategic importance of the Red Sea as a critical artery for international commerce.
As Operation Prosperity Guardian progresses, the U.S. continues to coordinate with international partners to ensure the safety of maritime routes and uphold the principles of freedom of navigation. The sustained military engagement reflects a broader commitment to maintaining stability in the region and protecting global economic interests.
