New Delhi: The US on Wednesday evening launched a series of airstrikes targeting key underground weapons storage facilities controlled by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The strikes by B-2 Spirit stealth bombers marked the first use of these advanced aircraft against Houthi targets since the beginning of US involvement in the Yemen conflict.
The US Department of Defense confirmed that the mission struck five Houthi weapons storage sites buried underground. According to US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, these facilities housed advanced conventional weapons used by the Houthis to threaten civilian and military vessels operating in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Deployment of B-2 bombers
The B-2 Spirit bomber, known for its stealth capabilities and heavy payload, is capable of carrying far greater quantities of ordnance than fighter jets. The B-2 gives the US military a unique ability to strike high-value targets that are either heavily defended or well-hidden.
Mr Austin said the strikes were authorised at the direction of President Joe Biden. “This was a unique demonstration of the United States’ ability to target facilities that our adversaries want to keep out of their reach, no matter how deeply buried or well-secured they may be,” Mr Austin said.
Rising regional tensions
The timing of the attacks comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East, where US allies, particularly Israel, face persistent threats from Iran and its various regional proxies. The Houthis, operating from Yemen, have repeatedly attacked commercial shipping and military vessels, disrupting one of the world’s most vital maritime trade routes. In recent months, these attacks have escalated, with the group claiming responsibility for launching ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones against US Navy ships and international vessels.
The Houthis’ activities in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, targeting ships laden with weapons originating from these underground storage sites, have raised concerns about the security of global trade routes and the potential for environmental disasters. In August, a Greek-flagged ship was attacked, causing an oil spill and raising serious environmental concerns.
In September, the Houthis stepped up their campaign, launching nearly two dozen ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones aimed at three US Navy destroyers. Although none of these missiles hit their targets, the attacks increased US military military activity in the region.
Houthi attacks are linked to regional conflicts
The Iran-backed Houthis have framed their actions as part of a broader alliance with groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, which are actively involved in ongoing conflicts with Israel. Following an attempted missile attack inside Israel in September, the Houthis have openly declared their support for these groups. Although the missile ultimately broke up in mid-air and caused no casualties, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned the Houthis that they would “pay a heavy price” for their actions. In retaliation, Israeli airstrikes targeted Houthi targets in Yemen shortly after the incident.
In the following weeks, the Houthis continued to launch missiles and drones toward Israel, further complicating the regional security landscape. These actions, along with continued Houthi attacks on international shipping, have drawn significant military responses from the United States and its allies.
Wednesday’s attack on Houthi facilities joins a series of US military actions aimed at curbing the Houthis’ growing arsenal and degrading their operational capabilities. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed there were no immediate civilian casualties in the latest strikes. Over the past year, the US has increased its military presence in the region, including air support in the form of fighter jets and attack aircraft, as well as the deployment of advanced naval resources such as aircraft carrier strike groups, amphibious readiness groups and guided missile destroyers.
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