In a decisive move on Wednesday night, the US targeted five underground storage facilities in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen using B-2 stealth bombers for the first time. This strike showcased Washington’s ability to hit hard-to-reach facilities, emphasizing its global strike capabilities. President Joe Biden ordered the attack to further degrade the Houthis’ capability after their attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Despite the aggressive response, Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV reported no casualties from the strikes which targeted areas in and around Sanaa and eastern Saada.
The US and UK air forces conducted nine airstrikes in eastern Saada, drawing criticism from a Houthi political official who condemned the attacks as aiding genocide in Gaza. The ongoing conflict between Houthi fighters in Yemen and Israel has disrupted global commerce, with nearly 100 attacks on ships crossing the Red Sea since November. The strikes are seen as a signal to Iran, ahead of expected action from US ally Israel following missile attacks. The use of the B-2 bomber, capable of striking deeply buried facilities, highlights the US military’s strategic capabilities. This military action underscores the US presence in the Middle East with multiple military bases in the region.
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