The United States launched a major escalation against Yemen’s Houthi rebels by targeting underground bunkers using B-2 stealth bombers, marking the first use of the aircraft in combat in years and the first time they targeted sites in Yemen. This attack was seen as a warning not only to the rebels but also to Iran, their main benefactor. The U.S. Defense Secretary reiterated the United States’ ability to target hardened and fortified facilities, potentially sending a message to Tehran as well. The B-2 would be used in any American attack on Iranian nuclear facilities in the future.
Iran did not immediately comment on the strike, but its Foreign Minister had been visiting Arab nations ahead of an expected Israeli retaliation over a previous missile assault by Iran. The strikes targeted underground weapons storage locations in Houthi-controlled areas around Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and their stronghold in Saada. While the damage done was not immediately assessed, the U.S. military’s Central Command stated that they believed no civilians were killed in the airstrikes Despite the continued conflict, the U.S. and its allies have been successful in intercepting many of the missiles and drones launched by the rebels targeting ships in the Red Sea.
Since the Houthis began their campaign targeting ships in the Red Sea, more than 80 merchant vessels have been targeted using missiles and drones. This campaign has also resulted in the seizure and sinking of several vessels, as well as the death of multiple sailors. The rebels claim to target ships linked to Israel, the U.S., or the U.K. in an effort to end Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza. However, many of the attacked ships have had little to no connection to the conflict, including those bound for Iran. Additionally, the rebels have continued to launch missiles targeting Israel and have threatened new attacks in response to recent events in the region.
The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing since 2015 when the Houthis entered a stalemated war with a Saudi-led coalition. The rebels have refurbished tunnels and bases to enhance their military capabilities, with known underground bases in areas held by the rebels. The use of the B-2 aircraft in combat is rare due to its high cost, with each aircraft worth $1 billion. The aircraft are based at Whiteman Air Base in Missouri and have been used in various conflicts in the past, including Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya. The U.S. last used the B-2 in combat in 2017 against Islamic State group targets in Libya, disrupting possible militant attacks in Europe.
The recent escalation in Yemen comes after warnings from the U.N. Special Envoy about the potential for the frozen war in Yemen to heat back up due to ongoing conflicts in the region. The Houthis’ capture of U.N. and aid workers has been internationally criticized, further complicating efforts for peace and stability in the region. The cycle of retaliation and regional conflicts in the Middle East continues to jeopardize the hopes for peace in Yemen, amid urgent efforts to address the country’s own internal crisis. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation as tensions continue to rise in the region.
