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The United States, in a decisive military operation, conducted multiple airstrikes using B-2 bombers against weapons storage facilities in Yemen controlled by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The strikes, carried out at dawn on Thursday local time, targeted sites north and south of the Yemeni capital Sanaa, as well as in the Houthi stronghold of Saada governorate. The US military and defense department confirmed the operation, highlighting the strikes' intent to degrade the Huthis' ability to continue their destabilizing behavior in the region.
The US Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, emphasized the precision of the strikes, stating that the B-2 bombers targeted five underground weapons storage locations. The operation, he said, demonstrated the US's global strike capabilities and its readiness to act against such threats. The US President, Joe Biden, authorized the strikes, seeking to protect US forces and personnel in a critical waterway, likely referring to the Red Sea, which is a vital shipping route for global trade.
The Huthis, known for their attacks on shipping vessels transiting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, have repeatedly targeted ships they believe to have connections to Israel since November. They frame these attacks as a show of support for Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Huthis vowed to retaliate against the US airstrikes, claiming they will not go unanswered. The group also pledged continued support and assistance to Gaza and Lebanon, highlighting their alliance with other Iran-linked groups. The Houthi attacks have severely disrupted the Red Sea route, impacting global trade, leading to retaliatory strikes by the US and Britain since January.
The US Central Command, responsible for US forces in the Middle East, stated that there were no initial indications of civilian casualties from Wednesday's mission. However, the use of B-2 bombers, known for their advanced capabilities and long-range striking power, signifies a shift in US policy towards the Huthis. Security analysts interpret this as a firmer stance against the group's destabilizing behavior, indicating Washington's heightened efforts to weaken their military capabilities. The escalation of tensions between the US and the Huthis raises concerns about potential further conflict in the region and its impact on international shipping and regional stability.
Source: US B-2 bombers strike Huthi facilities in Yemen: Military