U.S. B-2 Stealth Bombers Hit Houthi Targets in Yemen
The U.S. military launched airstrikes in Yemen using B-2 stealth bombers to target underground weapons storage sites controlled by the Houthi group. The strikes aimed to weaken the Houthis’ ability to disrupt international trade and defend U.S. personnel in the region. The Houthis, who have conducted attacks on vessels linked to Israel and others in the Red Sea, vowed to retaliate. The use of B-2 bombers marks a rare deployment in combat, with this being the first such mission since 2017.
The United States military has carried out airstrikes in Yemen targeting Houthi-controlled areas, according to U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. B-2 stealth bombers were used to strike five underground weapons storage sites linked to the Houthis. These facilities were reportedly used to store weapons that the Houthis have employed against both civilian and military vessels in the region. Austin emphasized the precision and depth of the strikes, showcasing the U.S.’s ability to target heavily fortified locations.
Houthi-affiliated media confirmed airstrikes around the capital, Sanaa, and their stronghold in Saada but did not provide details on casualties. The Houthis have vowed to retaliate, denouncing the U.S. attack as aggression.
The strikes come amid heightened tensions as the Houthis have carried out attacks on Israel-linked ships and other vessels in the Red Sea and nearby waterways. They claim these actions are part of their support for Palestinians in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. The U.S. military stated that the strikes were aimed at reducing the Houthis’ ability to disrupt international trade and defend U.S. personnel.
This marks the first reported use of B-2 bombers against the Houthis. These aircraft, capable of carrying up to 20 tons of bombs, flew from Missouri’s Whiteman Air Force Base, marking the first combat mission for the B-2 since 2017.