B-2 stealth bombers target underground sites housing advanced weapons used in attacks on vessels.
The United States launched a series of airstrikes in Yemen on Wednesday, targeting Iran-backed Houthi militants. These strikes, carried out using B-2 stealth bombers, focused on five underground weapons storage facilities. The strikes aimed to disrupt Houthi attacks on military and civilian vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed the strikes, stating that the bombers targeted sites housing advanced conventional weapons.
According to US defense officials, the weapons stored in these facilities had been used to threaten international shipping routes. The Houthis have conducted several attacks on vessels in recent months, prompting this response from the US. The strikes are part of a broader effort to degrade the group’s capabilities in the region.
A Show of US Global Strike Capabilities
Austin emphasized the significance of using the B-2 Spirit long-range stealth bombers in the operation. “This was a unique demonstration of the United States’ ability to target deeply buried, hardened, or fortified facilities,” Austin said. He highlighted the stealth bomber’s ability to strike anywhere, at any time, showing the global reach of US military power. The B-2 bombers used in this operation represent a major escalation in the type of military platforms deployed against the Houthis.
Until now, US forces had primarily relied on fighter jets to target Houthi positions. The B-2 bomber, with its ability to carry a much heavier payload, offers a significant boost to the firepower being brought to bear on Houthi targets. This marks the first time the US has used the strategic bomber against the group in Yemen since the start of its campaign.
A Message to the Houthis
Austin said that President Joe Biden directed the strikes to further degrade the Houthis’ ability to launch attacks. The facilities held various components used in the group’s attacks on US and international vessels. “We will continue to make clear to the Houthis that there will be consequences for their illegal and reckless attacks,” Austin added.
The Houthis have been responsible for a series of missile and drone attacks targeting vessels in the region, disrupting vital shipping lanes. The US, alongside its allies, has condemned these attacks and vowed to respond forcefully. The airstrikes are seen as a warning to the Houthis and their Iranian backers, signaling that the US will not tolerate continued aggression.
The Bigger Picture
These airstrikes come amid rising tensions between the US and Iran in the Middle East. Iran’s support for the Houthis has been a key factor in the ongoing conflict in Yemen. By targeting Houthi weapons facilities, the US aims to limit Iran’s influence in the region and protect international shipping routes. This escalation underscores the complex dynamics of the conflict and the broader geopolitical stakes in the region.
