The United States conducted a series of strikes in Yemen against the Iran-backed Houthis on Wednesday, targeting five underground weapons storage facilities using B-2 stealth bombers, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed. The facilities stored advanced conventional weapons that were used to attack military and civilian vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Austin emphasized the United States’ capability to target facilities that adversaries try to protect, even if they are deeply buried underground or fortified. The use of the B-2 Spirit stealth bombers showcased the US global strike capabilities to take action against such targets when necessary.
This marked the first time the US employed the strategic stealth bomber to strike the Houthis in Yemen since the beginning of the campaign. The B-2 bomber has a larger capacity to carry a heavier load of bombs compared to the fighter jets previously used in targeting Houthi facilities and weapons.
The decision to authorize the strikes was made at the direction of President Joe Biden to further degrade the capabilities of the Houthis following a series of attacks by the militant group on US and international vessels in the region. The targeted facilities held various weapons components used in attacks on vessels in the Middle East.
The airstrikes took place in Yemen’s capital city of Sanaa and the city of Saada, as reported by Houthi-run Al Masirah TV. The Houthis have been targeting ships in the Red Sea in response to Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza. This attack on the Houthis comes amid escalating tensions in the region, with Israel expected to retaliate against Iran’s recent missile barrage.
The ongoing conflicts with Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza have added to the volatile situation in the region. The US has been actively involved in protecting ships and degrading the Houthi arsenal over the past year through strikes and intercepting drones and missiles.
The Houthis have launched several attacks against Israel, prompting responses from the Israeli military. The constant attacks on commercial shipping have led to casualties among mariners and environmental concerns. The US has deployed significant firepower in the region to support its allies and protect against threats.
The geopolitical landscape in the Middle East remains complex, with various factions and alliances influencing the ongoing conflicts. The recent US airstrikes against the Houthis underscore the continued efforts to address security challenges in the region and protect vital interests.