US Deploying Second Aircraft Carrier in Middle East

News Desk

Washington: The United States is reinforcing its military posture in the Middle East, deploying the USS Carl Vinson to join the USS Harry S. Truman as Washington intensifies its campaign against Yemen’s Huthi rebels and seeks to protect commercial shipping in the region.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the additional aircraft carrier, along with more air squadrons and other assets, would strengthen US defensive capabilities under the Central Command (CENTCOM). He said the deployment was aimed at deterring further attacks and maintaining regional security and the free flow of commerce.

The move comes as the Huthis continue attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which they say are in support of Palestinians amid the Gaza war. The attacks have disrupted a major global trade route, prompting vessels to take longer and more expensive routes around southern Africa.

US President Donald Trump has vowed to maintain military strikes against the Huthis until they no longer pose a threat to shipping, while also issuing warnings to Iran over its support for the group and its nuclear programme.

The latest military escalation comes alongside growing scrutiny in Washington over the leak of a private Signal group chat in which senior US officials discussed plans for strikes against the Huthis. The incident has intensified concerns over the handling of sensitive military information within the Trump administration.