US B-2 Bomber Strike on Yemen: A Rehearsal for Global CovertBombing Operations?
Washington, D.C. – The recent USairstrike on Houthi rebels in Yemen, carried out by a B-2 stealth bomber, has sparked speculation about its true purpose. While the Pentagon claims theattack aimed to weaken the Houthis’ ability to launch anti-ship missiles, some US media outlets believe it was a rehearsal for a larger, global covert bombing campaign.
The strike, which occurred on October 17th, was a solo operation, unlike previous joint US-UK airstrikes. The target was a Houthi underground weapons storage facility, allegedly containing advanced conventional weapons used to attackships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The use of a B-2 bomber, a strategic asset with intercontinental range, allowed the US to bypass restrictions imposed by regional countries, who have generally opposed US military operations inthe region. The B-2’s ability to launch from bases outside the Middle East, avoiding the need for overflights through sensitive airspace, is a significant strategic advantage.
The Pentagon has refused to disclose the B-2’s flight path, citing operational security concerns. While a direct flight from the US mainlandwould require multiple aerial refueling stops, making the operation complex, the bomber could have launched from Diego Garcia, a US airbase in the Indian Ocean, which has been used for strikes against Middle Eastern targets in the past.
However, reports suggest the B-2 may have originated from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri,its primary deployment location. Additionally, Australian authorities have confirmed their support for the US strike, including the entry and overflight of US aircraft in northern Australia. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has reported that a remote airbase in Australia’s Northern Territory may have served as a staging ground for the attack.
This revelation hasraised concerns about the potential for Australia to become a hub for US covert operations in the region. The use of Australian bases for US military activities has been a source of tension in the past, and this incident could further exacerbate these tensions.
The US airstrike on Yemen, while ostensibly aimed at weakening the Houthis,may be a precursor to a broader, global covert bombing campaign. The use of the B-2 bomber, coupled with the involvement of Australian bases, suggests a shift in US military strategy, one that could have far-reaching implications for regional security and stability.
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