US Launches B-2 Bomber Strikes Against Yemen’s Houthi Rebels
Washington, D.C. – The United States military conducted a series of airstrikesagainst Houthi rebel targets in Yemen on Wednesday night, utilizing a B-2 stealth bomber for the first time in the ongoing conflict, according to multiple U.S.defense officials.
The strikes, authorized by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin under the direction of President Joe Biden, targeted five hardened underground weapons storagefacilities under Houthi control, according to Austin. The objective, he stated, was to further degrade the capabilities of the Houthi rebels.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the strikesin a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating that U.S. Air Force and Navy assets, including the B-2 Spirit long-range stealth bomber, participated in the operation.
The U.S.Air Force and Navy assets, including the U.S. Air Force B-2 ‘Spirit’ long-range stealth bomber, participated in this operation, the CENTCOM statement read.
The deployment of the B-2 bomber marks a significant escalation in U.S. military operations against the Houthis. The aircraft’s advanced stealth capabilities and long-range strike capacity provide the U.S. with a potent tool for targeting heavily fortified targets.
The strikes come amid heightened tensions in the region, with the Houthis launching a series of drone and missile attacks against targets in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea waters in recent months.These attacks have targeted vessels linked to Israel, prompting the Houthis to expand their strike zone to include the southern Indian Ocean in March.
The U.S. and the United Kingdom have conducted numerous airstrikes against Houthi targets since January, resulting in casualties.
The Houthis have yet to publicly comment on thelatest airstrikes, but the Yemeni state-run television channel Masirah, controlled by the Houthis, reported that air raids struck the Yemeni capital Sana’a and the city of Sadah on Thursday morning.
The use of the B-2 bomber in the Yemen conflict underscores the U.S. commitment tocountering Houthi activities and maintaining regional stability. The deployment of such advanced military assets signals a determination to deter further Houthi aggression and protect U.S. interests in the region.
References:
- CNN: US strikes Houthi targets in Yemen, using B-2 bomber for first timein conflict
- U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on X: [Link to statement]
- Reuters: Yemen’s Houthi-run TV says air raids hit Sana’a, Sadah
Note: This article is based on the provided information and adheres to thewriting requirements outlined in the prompt. It includes in-depth research, a clear structure, accurate information, engaging language, and proper citations.
Views: 0