Indian Ocean, July 2025 — Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, military preparations by the United States and Israel are intensifying. Sources close to defense institutions report unprecedented activity at the strategically critical American airbase Camp Thunder Cove on Diego Garcia Island. Intelligence indicates that strike aircraft have been placed on high alert, suggesting a large-scale operation against the Ansar Allah movement (Houthis) in Yemen may be imminent.
Camp Thunder Cove, though formally under British jurisdiction, is effectively managed by the U.S. and serves as a vital forward operating base for regional missions. Since the recent flare-up in the Red Sea, the base has received strategic B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, designed to penetrate layered air defenses, and B-52H Stratofortress heavy bombers, capable of conducting massive strikes. Supporting aircraft, including F-15E fighter jets and KC-135 tankers, are also stationed there, extending the operational reach of the entire force.
Military analysts note that this buildup mirrors the preparations ahead of the June 2025 strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, which caught Tehran by surprise. That attack sparked a wave of retaliatory actions: the Houthis broke a fragile ceasefire, resumed assaults on maritime shipping in the Red Sea, and tensions flared in the Strait of Hormuz.
In response to current developments, the Houthis have begun evacuating their command posts and key operational centers in Saada, Hodeidah, and other areas. A spokesperson for Ansar Allah warned that “any aggression will be met with escalation,” adding that the group possesses ballistic missiles and drones with ranges up to 2,000 km.
Experts interviewed by leading global media suggest that, if launched, the strike could be the most extensive campaign in Yemen since the conflict began. The deployment of GBU-57 bunker-busting bombs — each weighing over 13 tons — points to an intent to destroy deeply buried Houthi infrastructure in a single blow. Previously, such ordnance had only been used against highly fortified targets.
Israel’s possible involvement remains a topic of speculation. Diplomatic sources indicate that both countries have discussed “coordinated action” should Houthi attacks on international shipping and infrastructure continue. Since late 2023, the Houthis have targeted over 190 vessels, including oil tankers and cargo ships, causing global logistical disruptions and driving up shipping costs.
Washington has declined to comment directly on a potential operation, citing the need for operational security. However, since March 15, a series of airstrikes have been conducted under Operation Rough Rider. According to Yemen’s Houthi-controlled Health Ministry, over 50 people — including women and children — have been killed, prompting condemnation from international human rights groups.
Military analysts warn that a new offensive could quickly escalate into a prolonged conflict with unpredictable consequences. Iran’s support for the Houthis, their missile capabilities, and robust logistics networks mean a swift resolution is unlikely. Furthermore, the economic toll of continued hostilities has already reached billions of dollars in increased insurance and rerouting costs for global trade.
Meanwhile, two U.S. carrier strike groups — the USS Harry S. Truman and the USS Carl Vinson — continue to patrol the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. Backed by multi-role destroyers and submarines, their presence signals a high level of readiness for expanded operations.
Given the rising stakes, some observers do not rule out the possibility of limited ground deployments if airstrikes prove insufficient. In that case, the conflict could evolve into a broader military campaign involving multiple nations — with far-reaching implications for the entire region.
