US stealth bombers attack Houthi underground bunkers in Yemen

DUBAI: The US military unleashed B-2 stealth bombers to target underground bunkers used by Yemen Houthi rebels on Thursday morning, a major escalation in the American response to rebel attacks on Middle Eastern shipping lanes that appeared to be a warning to Iran as well. While it is unclear how much damage the strikes caused, the attack appeared to be the first use of the B-2 in combat in years and the first time the flying wing has targeted locations in Yemen.
In announcing the strikes against the Houthis, who have been attacking ships in the Red Sea corridor for months during the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was keen to offer a warning that will likely be heeded as well. in Tehran. “This was a unique demonstration of the U.S. ability to strike installations that our adversaries seek to keep out of reach, no matter how deeply buried, hardened or fortified,” Austin said.
Iran, the Houthis’ main benefactor, attacked Israel with ballistic missile strikes twice last year. The B-2 would be used in any American attack on hardened Iranian nuclear facilities such as Natanz or Fordo, as it is the only aircraft in service that can launch the GBU-57, known as the “Massive Ordnance Penetrator.”
Iran had no immediate comment on Thursday’s attack. His foreign minister has been visiting Arab countries ahead of an expected Israeli retaliatory attack on the Tehran missile attack on October 1.
The Houthis’ al-Masirah satellite news channel reported airstrikes around Yemen’s capital Sanaa, which the group has held since 2014. They also reported attacks around the Houthi stronghold of Saada. They did not offer immediate information on damage or casualties.
Austin said the B-2 bombers targeted “five weapons storage locations in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.” Both he and the U.S. military’s Central Command offered no immediate assessment of the damage caused.