The American B-2 stealth bombers targeted underground bunkers used by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in airstrikes early Thursday morning, marking a strategic move in response to the Houthis attacking ships in the Red Sea corridor over the Israel-Hamas conflict. The strikes focused on Houthi-controlled areas around Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and the stronghold of Saada, with no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed the B-2 bombers targeted five underground weapons storage locations to limit the Houthi rebels’ capabilities. The use of the B-2 bombers, rarely seen in combat, also sent an implicit warning to Iran, the Houthis’ main supporter, which has previously targeted Israel with ballistic missile attacks.
In response, Yemen’s Houthi rebels declared their intent to retaliate against the American aggression, signaling a potential escalation of tensions in the region.