US uses advanced B-2 stealth bombers against Houthis in Yemen
- In Reports
- 09:06 PM, Oct 17, 2024
- Myind Staff
On the evening of October 16, the United States launched airstrikes targeting critical underground weapons storage facilities controlled by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. This operation, which involved the use of B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, marked the first deployment of these advanced aircraft against Houthi forces since the start of US involvement in the Yemen conflict. According to the Pentagon, five underground Houthi weapons storage facilities were successfully struck during the mission.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed that the targeted facilities housed advanced conventional weapons used by the Houthis to threaten both civilian and military vessels operating in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The B-2 Spirit bomber, known for its stealth capabilities and large payload capacity, was selected for this mission due to its ability to carry significantly more ordnance than conventional fighter jets. This gave the U.S. military a distinct advantage in striking high-value targets that were either heavily fortified or concealed. Secretary Austin also noted that the airstrikes were authorised by President Joe Biden.
"This was a unique demonstration of the United States' ability to target facilities that our adversaries seek to keep out of reach, no matter how deeply buried or fortified," Austin stated.
The airstrikes come at a time of heightened tensions across the Middle East, where U.S. allies, particularly Israel, continue to face growing threats from Iran and its regional proxies. The Houthis have been responsible for numerous attacks on commercial and military vessels, leading to significant disruptions in one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes. In recent months, these attacks have intensified, with the group launching ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones targeting U.S. Navy and international vessels.
The Houthis' activities in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, using weapons stored in these underground facilities to target vessels, have heightened concerns about the security of global trade routes and the risk of potential environmental disasters. In August, an attack on a Greek-flagged ship caused an oil spill, triggering widespread environmental alarm. By September, the Houthis had escalated their operations, launching nearly 24 ballistic and cruise missiles, along with drones, at three U.S. Navy destroyers.
Although none of the missiles struck their intended targets, the attacks prompted an increased military response from U.S. forces operating in the region.
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