In A First, US Uses B-2 Stealth Bombers To Target Houthi Underground Weapons Sites In Yemen

The United States on Wednesday (16 October) evening launched airstrikes targeting key underground weapons storage facilities controlled by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

These strikes, involving B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, marked the first time these advanced aircraft have been deployed against Houthi forces since the beginning of US involvement in the Yemen conflict.

The Pentagon confirmed that five underground Houthi weapons storage facilities were struck in the operation.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that these facilities housed advanced conventional weapons used by the Houthis to threaten civilian and military vessels operating in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The B-2 Spirit bomber, renowned for its stealth and large payload capacity, can carry significantly more ordnance than conventional fighter jets.

This gives the US military a unique capability to hit high-value targets that are either deeply fortified or well-concealed.

Defense Secretary Austin noted that President Joe Biden had authorised the strikes.

"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.

These airstrikes come amid heightened tensions across the Middle East, where US allies, especially Israel, face persistent threats from Iran and its regional proxies.

The Houthis have been responsible for numerous attacks on commercial and military vessels, causing disruptions in one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.

In recent months, these attacks have escalated, with the group launching ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones at US Navy and international vessels.

The Houthis' actions in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, using weapons from these underground facilities to target vessels, have raised concerns over global trade route security and possible environmental disasters.

In August, a Greek-flagged ship was attacked, resulting in an oil spill that sparked significant environmental fears.

In September, the Houthis intensified their operations, launching nearly 24 ballistic and cruise missiles, along with drones, at three US Navy destroyers.

While none of the missiles hit their targets, the attacks led to heightened military responses from US forces in the area.

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