Saudi Arabia Ends ‘Decisive Storm.’ Roosevelt Shadows Iranian Ships

The USS Theodore Roosevelt has been re-deployed to the near Yemen in response to Iranian cargo ships thought to be carrying arms and supplies to Houthi rebels there. Image-U.S. Navy
The USS Theodore Roosevelt has been re-deployed to the near Yemen in response to Iranian cargo ships thought to be carrying arms and supplies to Houthi rebels there. Image-U.S. Navy

As the U.S. aircraft carrier, USS Theodore Roosevelt moves towards Yemen from its previous location in the Persian Gulf, Saudi Arabia announced the end to the Saudi-led campaign on the Houthi rebels that has bombarded the Houthi for the last month.

The Roosevelt had previously been tasked with carrying out strikes on the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, but was moved toward Yemen in response to an Iranian convoy of cargo ships feared bringing arms to the Houthi rebels. The convoy continues toward Aden traveling about five knots as the aircraft carrier shadows their every move.

The carrier, with its crew of 5,000 personnel and 60 aircraft, join other U.S. military ships  in the region that includes the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy. The Pentagon announced on Monday that another two ships will also be deployed to the area.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia announced the end to their operation, “Decisive Storm,” and began their new phase, “Restoring Hope,” which will focus on anti-terrorism. This new phase does not mean an end to the hostilities, and Saudi spokesman Brigidier General Ahmed Asseri stated that the bombing operations will resume if necessary. In a statement Asseri said, “The coalition will continue to prevent the movement of Houthi militias from moving or undertaking any operations inside Yemen.”

Just prior to the announcement of the cessation of “Decisive Storm,” King Salman of Saudi Arabia ordered the Saudi National Guard to the borders for reinforcement.

Almost a thousand people have been killed and another 3,500 have been injured in the month that “Decisive Storm” has been in operation.

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