US long-range B-2 stealth bombers launched airstrikes early Thursday morning, targeting underground bunkers used by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, officials reported. The extent of the damage from the strikes is still unclear. Notably, this marks the first reported use of the B-2 Spirit in operations against the Houthis, who have been attacking ships in the Red Sea corridor amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The Houthis’ al-Masirah satellite news channel indicated that airstrikes occurred around Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, which the group has controlled since 2014. They also reported strikes near the Houthi stronghold of Saada but did not provide immediate information on damage or casualties.
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the B-2 bombers targeted “five hardened underground weapons storage locations in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.”
U.S. Central Command Conducts Multiple Strikes on Underground Iran-Backed Houthi Weapons Facilities pic.twitter.com/6YjQRVFvSD
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) October 17, 2024
The recent strike sends a clear and powerful message to Iran, the Houthis’ main backer, which has brazenly targeted Israel with ballistic missile attacks on two occasions in the past year. In the event of a U.S. operation against Iran’s fortified nuclear facilities, such as Natanz or Fordo, the B-2 bomber stands ready to play a crucial role.
This advanced aircraft is uniquely equipped to deploy the GBU-57, known as the “Massive Ordnance Penetrator,” making it an essential asset in any mission aimed at ensuring regional stability and security. It’s time to recognize the importance of decisive action in the face of escalating threats.
“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 underground, hardened, or fortified,” Austin said.
Austin and the US military’s Central Command offered no immediate assessment on the damage done. However, Central Command said in a statement that initial assessments suggested no civilians had been killed.
The Red Sea has become a battlefield for shippers since the Houthis began their campaign targeting ships traveling through the waterway, which once saw $1 trillion of cargo pass through it yearly.
Houthis have targeted more than 80 merchant vessels with missiles and drones since the war in Gaza started in October 2023.
Team BharatShakti (With inputs from Reuters)
