News - Middle East: The Commander of the UٍS Fifth Fleet, Admiral Daryl Caudle, stated that the United States cannot relinquish control over the Red Sea waterway. He acknowledged that the US Navy is currently not in an ideal position to modernize ships and complete necessary maintenance on time. As a result, it is exploring less costly options to intercept Yemeni attacks, rather than relying on missiles that cost millions of dollars.

Admiral Caudle emphasized that the Navy's rules of engagement must adapt to this constantly changing challenge, so it does not merely respond to attacks but acts proactively to prevent them “on our terms and timing.” He also noted that French and British naval forces would soon begin operating in the region as well.

He described the developments in the Red Sea as an "incredible story," highlighting that it goes beyond routine naval defense of ships and operations in contested environments.

In a related regard, the US Navy's Central Command stressed that the deployment of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) to the area falls under the responsibility of US Central Command.

It further stated that the carrier group is fully prepared to execute the full range of core aircraft carrier operations. The group is ready to defend US forces, personnel, and partners, as well as to ensure "freedom of navigation and maritime security."

Yemen has declared open support for Palestine’s struggle against the Israeli occupation since the regime launched a devastating war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, after the territory’s Palestinian resistance movements carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity.

The Yemeni Armed Forces have achieved significant victories against the naval forces of the US, the UK, and Israel. These operations led to the effective shutdown of the Port of Eilat, also known as Um Rashrash, and forced the US aircraft carriers Eisenhower and Roosevelt to retreat from the Red Sea. The Yemeni forces also sank or damaged dozens of Israeli-linked ships.

These achievements have surprised many observers, as Yemen was not previously regarded as a significant naval power. The Yemeni Armed Forces have vowed to continue their operations as long as the Israeli regime maintains its war and siege against Palestinian territories.

So far, Israel has killed at least over 45,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured over 107,000 others in Gaza.