In a significant escalation, the United States deployed B-2 Spirit stealth bombers for the first time in airstrikes targeting Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The strikes, conducted on Wednesday evening, targeted five underground weapons storage facilities controlled by the Houthis, marking a new phase in US military involvement in the conflict.
High-Value Targets Hit in Yemen
The US Department of Defense confirmed that the stealth bombers, renowned for their stealth capabilities and ability to carry large payloads, struck deeply fortified Houthi sites. According to US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, these underground facilities housed advanced weaponry used by the Houthis to threaten civilian and military vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Austin described the operation as a demonstration of the US military’s ability to hit adversaries’ fortified locations, even when deeply concealed.
The mission was authorized by President Joe Biden and reflects a growing concern over the Houthis’ escalating aggression in the region, particularly their missile and drone attacks on maritime vessels, which have disrupted global shipping routes.
Regional Tensions and Houthi Threats
The airstrikes come amid growing tensions in the Middle East, with Iran-backed militias, including the Houthis, increasingly targeting US and allied interests in the region. In recent months, the Houthis have launched numerous ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones, against US Navy ships and international vessels in the Red Sea. These attacks have raised alarms over the security of vital maritime trade routes and the potential for environmental disasters.
The Houthis’ aggressive actions are also linked to broader regional conflicts. They have publicly aligned themselves with Iran-backed militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, both of whom are engaged in active conflicts with Israel. In September, the Houthis launched a missile strike deep inside Israel, sparking retaliation from Israeli forces. This alignment with other militant groups has made the Houthis a key player in the broader geopolitical struggle in the region.
US Military Response
The B-2 airstrikes are part of a broader US effort to curb the Houthis’ growing arsenal and degrade their ability to launch attacks. The US military has significantly increased its presence in the region, deploying advanced naval assets such as carrier strike groups, guided missile destroyers, and fighter jets.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the recent strikes resulted in no immediate civilian casualties, emphasizing the precision of the operation. Over the past year, the US has escalated its military operations in the region in response to the increasing threat posed by the Houthis and their regional allies.
The use of the B-2 Spirit bomber signals a new level of US commitment to protecting its interests and those of its allies in the Middle East, particularly as threats from Iran-backed groups continue to grow.
Conclusion
The US airstrikes targeting the Houthis in Yemen mark a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, with the deployment of B-2 bombers reflecting the seriousness of the threat posed by the Houthis’ underground weaponry. As tensions in the region continue to rise, the United States and its allies are likely to intensify their military efforts to safeguard maritime routes and regional stability.
Sources By Agencies
