smbet
This 4 April, 2005 Department of Defense handout image shows a B-2 Spirit multi-role bomber conducting air refueling operations with a KC-135 Stratotanker over the Pacific Ocen. FILE PHOTO/Agence France-Presse
WASHINGTON — The United States on Wednesday conducted multiple B-2 bomber strikes on weapons storage facilities in areas of Yemen controlled by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, according to the US military and defense department.
“US forces targeted several of the Houthis’ underground facilities housing various weapons components of types that the Houthis have used to target civilian and military vessels throughout the region,” US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement.
Article continues after this advertisementThe Houthi-run Al Masirah television network reported 15 strikes at dawn on Thursday local time targeting sites north and south of the capital Sanaa, as well as farther north in Saada governorate, a Huthi stronghold.
FEATURED STORIES GLOBALNATION She thought her baby’s sweet scent was a blessing; it’s a deadly illness GLOBALNATION US missile deployment to PH important for combat readiness – US general GLOBALNATION House to SolGen: File raps to seize land from ChineseREAD: US bombers conduct drill over Korean Peninsula in show of force
B-2 bombers conducted precision strikes against five underground weapons storage locations, Austin said, adding that use of the long-range stealth bomber demonstrates “US global strike capabilities to take action against these targets when necessary, anytime, anywhere.”
Article continues after this advertisementThe United States and Britain have repeatedly carried out strikes aimed at curbing the Houthis’ ability to target shipping, but the rebels have continued to attack merchant vessels transiting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Article continues after this advertisement“At the direction of President Biden, I authorized these targeted strikes to further degrade the Houthis’ capability to continue their destabilizing behavior and to protect and defend US forces and personnel in one of the world’s most critical waterways,” Austin said.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: B-52H bomber joins PH jets for WPS patrol, irks China
The Houthis, part of the “axis of resistance” of Iran-linked groups, have targeted ships they say have connections to Israel since November in what they describe as support for Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas war.
Article continues after this advertisementThe attacks have seriously disrupted a route which carries 12 percent of global trade, triggering the reprisal strikes by the United States and Britain that began in January.
The US Central Command, which is responsible for US forces in the Middle East, said on social media that there were no initial indications of civilian casualties from Wednesday’s mission.
Mohammed al-Basha, a US-based Yemen and Middle East security analyst, said the use of B-2 bombers indicated Washington was taking “a firmer stance” against the Houthis.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
“This operation signifies a shift in US policysmbet, indicating a firmer stance against the group’s destabilizing behavior as Washington intensifies efforts to degrade their military capabilities,” Basha said.
READ NEXT Chinese man arrested for grave threat, firearm violation in Pa... Five Southeast Asian nations agree to share aviation safety data EDITORS' PICK Party-list system: What to know ahead of 2025 polls UPDATES: 2025 elections precampaign stories ASF vaccination expands to bigger piggeries Kristine now a tropical storm; Signal No. 1 up in 24 areas nationwide Liam Payne had cocaine in his system when he died, says official Alex Eala bounces back at WTA 250 Guangzhou Open MOST READ DILG identifies 38 hotspots ahead of 2025 polls LIVE UPDATES: Tropical Storm Kristine AFP reprimands cadet who asked for Marcos wrist watch WPS: US missile deployment to PH key for combat readiness – US general View comments