U.S. B-2 Stealth Bombers Strike Houthi Rebels in Yemen
By JON GAMBRELL
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — In a pre-dawn operation, U.S. long-range B-2 stealth bombers conducted airstrikes targeting underground bunkers used by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, officials confirmed. The extent of the damage caused by the strikes remains unclear.
This unprecedented use of the B-2 Spirit aircraft in strikes against the Houthis, who have been disrupting shipping in the Red Sea corridor, is a significant development. The Houthis have been targeting ships in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip.
Reports indicate that the airstrikes took place near Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and the Houthi stronghold of Saada. The al-Masirah satellite news channel, affiliated with the rebels, mentioned the strikes but provided no details on casualties or destruction.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the B-2 bombers targeted five underground weapons storage sites in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. The operation is seen as a message to Iran, the main supporter of the Houthis, which has recently launched ballistic missile attacks on Israel.
The use of the B-2 aircraft, equipped with the “Massive Ordnance Penetrator,” underscores the U.S.’s capability to strike heavily fortified and underground facilities. Austin emphasized that the operation demonstrated the U.S.’s ability to reach targets that adversaries try to shield from attacks.
While the immediate impact of the airstrikes is yet to be assessed, initial reports suggest no civilian casualties. The Red Sea has become a volatile zone due to the Houthis’ attacks on merchant vessels, affecting global shipping routes.
The rebels claim to target ships linked to Israel, the U.S., or the U.K. in a bid to end Israel’s actions in Gaza. However, their attacks have hit vessels with no connection to the conflict, leading to fatalities and disruptions in maritime activities.
Amid escalating tensions, the Houthis have also targeted U.S. military drones and threatened further attacks in response to regional developments. The situation remains fluid as geopolitical tensions in the region continue to influence military actions and security threats.
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