The United States launched a series of airstrikes on Wednesday evening targeting major underground weapons storage facilities controlled by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The strikes, conducted by B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, mark the first use of these advanced aircraft against Houthi targets since the beginning of US involvement in the Yemen conflict.
The US Defense Department confirmed that the mission struck five Houthi weapons storage sites buried underground. According to US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, these facilities housed advanced conventional weapons used by the Houthis to threaten civilian and military vessels operating in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Deploying B-2 bombers
The B-2 Spirit bomber, known for its stealth capabilities and heavy payload, is capable of carrying far greater amounts of ordnance than fighter aircraft. The B-2 provides the U.S. military with a unique capability to attack high-value targets that are either fortified in depth or well-concealed.
Mr Austin said the strikes were authorized at the direction of President Joe Biden. Mr. Austin said, “This was a unique demonstration of the United States’ ability to target facilities that our adversaries wish to keep out of reach, no matter how deeply buried or fortified they are.”
increasing regional tensions
The timing of the attacks comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East, with US allies, particularly Israel, facing persistent threats from Iran and its various regional proxies. The Houthis operating from Yemen have repeatedly launched attacks on commercial shipping and military vessels, disrupting one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes. In recent months, these attacks have escalated, with the group claiming responsibility for launching ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones, against US Navy ships and international vessels.
The Houthis’ activities in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, targeting ships carrying weapons originating from these underground storage sites, have raised concerns about the security of global trade routes and the potential for environmental disasters. In August, a Greek-flagged ship was attacked, causing an oil spill and raising serious environmental concerns.
In September, the Houthis escalated their campaign, launching nearly two dozen ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones that were targeted at three US Navy destroyers. Although none of these missiles hit their targets, the attacks increased US military military activity in the area.
Houthi attacks are linked to regional conflicts
The Iran-backed Houthis have framed their actions as part of a broader coalition with groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, which are actively engaged in the ongoing conflict with Israel. Following an attempted missile attack inside Israel in September, the Houthis have openly declared their support for these groups. While the missile ultimately disintegrated in mid-air and there were no casualties, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the Houthis would “pay a heavy price” for their actions. In retaliation immediately after the incident, Israeli airstrikes targeted Houthi positions in Yemen.
Reading How Yemen’s Houthi rebels got hold of ballistic missiles to attack Israel
In the following weeks, the Houthis continued to launch missiles and drones toward Israel, further complicating the regional security landscape. These actions, along with continued Houthi attacks on international shipping, have drawn significant military responses from the United States and its allies.
Wednesday’s strike on Houthi facilities adds to a series of US military actions aimed at curbing the Houthis’ growing arsenal and reducing their operational capabilities. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that there were no immediate civilian casualties from the latest attacks. Over the past year, the US has increased its military presence in the region, including the deployment of advanced naval assets such as carrier strike groups, amphibious ready groups and guided missile destroyers, along with air support in the form of fighter jets and strike aircraft. plane.