Yemen: The US has conducted what it described as “precision strikes” using B-2 bombers against five weapons storage locations in areas of Yemen controlled by the Houthi group.
The US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin told US forces – including long-range bombers – targeted underground facilities housing weapons components that were being used to attack civilian and military ships in the region.
Austin said that the strikes against the Iran-backed Houthis demonstrated the ability of the US to target facilities that its adversaries sought “to keep out of reach.”
Since November of last year, the Houthis have conducted attacks on approximately 100 ships in the Red Sea, resulting in the sinking of two vessels. The group claims these attacks are in retaliation for Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
U.S. Central Command, which manages U.S. military operations in the Middle East, stated on social media that there were no initial reports of civilian casualties from the operation.
The mission involved the U.S. Air Force and Navy, utilizing long-range stealth bombers. The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have prompted major shipping companies to steer clear of the waterway, thereby affecting international trade.
Austin said in a statement that, “at the direction of President Biden, I authorised these targeted strikes to further degrade the Houthis’ capability to continue their destabilising behaviour and to protect and defend US forces and personnel in one of the world’s most critical waterways.”
Austin added that the US would “continue to make it clear” to the Houthis that there would be “consequences for their illegal and reckless attacks.”
In September, the Houthis had launched “a complex attack” on US Navy ships in the region, though all of the weapons launched were shot down.
As well as the attacks on ships in the Red Sea, the Houthis have fired several missiles and drones at Israel directly.
In July, a drone launched from Yemen struck Tel Aviv, killing one person and injuring 10. In September, the group fired several missiles at Israel, including one that targeted Israel’s main airport. Both times Israel responded by attacking sites in Yemen.
Earlier this year, the US, UK and 12 other nations launched Operation Prosperity Guardian to protect Red Sea shipping lanes against the Houthis.
The Houthis are part of a network of armed groups in the Middle East backed by Iran that includes Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.
YOU MAY LIKE | US, South Korea, Japan launch new sanctions team to track North Korea
