Satellite imagery spots a French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in Djibouti as United States forces continue to strike Yemen-based Houthi rebels from the nearby Red Sea.
Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Central Command for comment by email.
Why It Matters
France, a key European member of NATO, deployed its only aircraft carrier, FS Charles de Gaulle, for a planned five-month Indo-Pacific mission last November. The warship took part in at least two naval exercises that involved foreign aircraft carriers during the deployment.
The U.S. military has carried out what President Donald Trump described as “decisive and powerful” strikes on the Houthis since last month. The Pentagon also ordered the second aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson, to transit to the Middle East from the Pacific Ocean.
What To Know
The French Embassy in Djibouti announced on Saturday that the Charles de Gaulle and its escorting ships made a stopover in the former French territory in the Horn of Africa. The small nation hosts France’s last military base in Africa, which has deployed 1,500 troops.
A satellite photograph captured on Sunday shows the French aircraft carrier was pierside at the port of Djibouti. The Djiboutian coast guard also released photos on X, formerly Twitter, showing it escorted the aircraft carrier to ensure its safety in the country’s waters.
France and Djibouti are working together to promote “international and regional peace and security” in accordance with their Defense Cooperation Treaty, the French Embassy said.
European Space Agency
It was not clear when the Charles de Gaulle would leave Djibouti and whether it would take part in any joint operation with USS Harry S. Truman, a U.S. aircraft carrier stationed in the Red Sea as its fighter aircraft launched attacks on the Houthi targets across Yemen.
Latest footage released by the U.S. Central Command on X shows missiles were fired from a warship and fighter jets were launched from the Harry S. Truman to strike the Houthis.
Meanwhile, the European Union said its warships continue to carry out escort missions in the Red Sea, a key shipping route that connects Asia and Europe. The operation, which has a “totally defensive mandate,” protects global common goods, it wrote in a post on X.
What People Are Saying
The French Embassy in Djibouti said in a press release on March 29: “A historic partner of the French armed forces, Djibouti once again welcomes the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. This stopover is part of our ongoing cooperation, strengthened by the 20-year renewal of the Defense Cooperation Treaty (TCMD) between Djibouti and France.”
The U.S. Central Command wrote in a post on X on March 15: “On March 15, U.S. Central Command initiated a series of operations consisting of precision strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets across Yemen to defend American interests, deter enemies, and restore freedom of navigation.”
What Happens Next
It remains to be seen when the Carl Vinson will reach the Red Sea to reinforce the U.S. military in the region by conducting operations with its sister ship, the Harry S. Truman.