The United States launched an airstrike in Yemen on Wednesday night, targeting Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed that five underground weapons storage facilities were hit using B-2 Spirit stealth bombers. These facilities held advanced weapons used to attack military and civilian vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The use of B-2 bombers, bigger and more powerful than previous jets, demonstrated the US's global strike capabilities.

Austin stated that the strikes aimed to degrade the Houthis’ abilities after over a year of their attacks on US and international vessels. The region is tense, with Israel expecting retaliation for Iran’s recent missile attacks and ongoing conflicts with Hezbollah and Hamas. The US has been striking Houthi targets to protect shipping and reduce their arsenal, but the rebels’ attacks continue.

In September, the Houthis claimed to have launched missiles and drones against US destroyers, but none hit. In response, the US struck 15 Houthi targets this month. The Houthis say their attacks support Hamas and Hezbollah. They’ve also targeted Israel, though most of their missiles have been intercepted or failed.

The Houthis’ attacks have caused casualties among mariners and environmental problems. In August, an oil-leaking ship was set ablaze. The US has significant military power in the region, including a carrier strike group and various aircraft.

US Bombs Houthi Weapons in Yemen with Stealth Jets

Actions