This article has been updated with the latest details.
The U.S. military deployed B-2 bombers to strike at weapon storage facilities belonging to Houthi rebels backed by Iran in Yemen late Wednesday. This marks the initial deployment of this advanced stealth bomber against the Houthi militia.
Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin stated that the airstrikes were directed by President Joe Biden, aiming to “further weaken” the Houthis’ capacity to attack commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea. These military actions can also be viewed as a message to Iran, especially given the escalating tensions between Tehran and the U.S. ally, Israel.
Although Austin refrained from explicitly naming Iran, he emphasized that the B-2’s use, capable of carrying powerful 30,000-pound bunker-busting bombs, serves as a “unique demonstration of the U.S.’s capability to reach targets that adversaries try to protect, regardless of how deeply buried or fortified they are. The deployment of B-2 Spirit long-range stealth bombers showcases America’s global strike capabilities, allowing for action against such targets whenever necessary.”
The top defense official of the U.S. reported that five “hardened” underground weapon depots in areas controlled by the Houthis were targeted in these “precision strikes.” A subsequent statement from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), located in Tampa, Florida, confirmed that U.S. Navy forces also participated in the operation. CENTCOM is currently evaluating the “battle damage” but preliminary assessments indicate “no civilian casualties.”
For years, the Houthis have intermittently targeted ships in the Red Sea, a crucial trading route. However, there has been a notable increase in these attacks on civilian vessels since the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated last year. The Houthis assert that these assaults are in support of Hamas, which also receives backing from Iran in terms of funding and weaponry, as well as supporting Palestinians broadly. This uptick in attacks has led to a series of U.S.-led military actions against Houthi positions including radars, runways, missile sites, and logistical hubs. The U.S. military has also intercepted Houthi drones and missiles aimed at Israel.
