U.S. B-2 stealth bombers launched airstrikes early Thursday against underground bunkers used by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, marking the first known use of the $2 billion aircraft in an operation of this type.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin described the action as a “unique demonstration of the United States’ ability to target facilities that our adversaries seek to keep out of reach, no matter how deeply buried underground, hardened, or fortified.”
The Houthis’ al-Masirah news channel confirmed strikes near Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and the stronghold of Saada but provided no details on casualties. Austin confirmed the bombers hit “five hardened underground weapons storage locations.”
b-2-spirit-stealth-bomber.jpg?w=1200&f=a3e9cc979b78e532e7ff6f590019bc27″ alt=”U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber ” width=”1200″ height=”800″/>
A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber takes off from a Royal Australian Air Force base in Amberley, Australia, Sept. 11, 2024. U.S. long-range B-2 stealth bombers launched airstrikes early Thursday, targeting underground bunkers…
Staff Sgt. Whitney Erhart/AP Photo
The strikes also appear to have been directed as a warning to Iran, the Houthis’ main supporter. The B-2 is capable of dropping the “Massive Ordnance Penetrator,” vital in potential strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. U.S. Central Command reported no civilian casualties in its initial assessments.
The Red Sea has grown increasingly dangerous as the Houthis, claiming to target vessels linked to Israel or the U.S., have attacked over 80 ships with missiles and drones, sinking two and seizing another. Many of these vessels have no direct connection to the conflict, yet the rebels continue to launch attacks.
The bunkers targeted in the airstrikes are associated with known Houthi bases, which have been fortified since the Saudi-led coalition war began in 2015.
Houthi rebel fighters march during a rally of support for the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and against the U.S. strikes on Yemen outside Sanaa on Jan. 22, 2024.The Houthis have targeted more than 80…
AP Photo
Analysts suggest the Houthis have expanded their underground networks, with significant support from Iran, mirroring Tehran’s own reliance on this type of infrastructure.
The current conflict in the Middle East was sparked when Hamas militants breached Israel’s security on Oct. 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 civilians and abducting 250 more. Israel’s subsequent offensive in Gaza has resulted in over 42,000 Palestinian deaths, devastated large areas, and displaced 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, according to local health authorities.
Iran FM meets Egyptian President
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made a rare visit to Egypt on Thursday.
Araghchi met with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sissi and other senior officials, to explore ways of de-escalating the Middle East situation, according to an official Egyptian statement reported by Associated Press.
The visit is significant given Egypt’s role as the first Arab nation to make peace with Israel and its close relationship with the U.S.
Egypt has long played a crucial role in mediating between Israel and Palestinian factions, particularly Hamas. Araghchi’s trip follows his visit to Jordan,