U.S. Military Launches Precision Airstrikes Against Houthi Weapons in Yemen

The Pentagon announced Wednesday that the U.S. military carried out precision airstrikes on multiple weapons storage facilities controlled by the Houthis in Yemen, employing B-2 stealth bombers. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin disclosed that the operation focused on five underground locations utilized by the Iran-backed Houthi militants for the storage of various weapons components, which have been employed against both civilian and military vessels in the area.

Austin indicated that the strikes were sanctioned under President Biden's direction and intended to showcase U.S. capabilities for a rapid response to threats. This move comes after a sequence of U.S. airstrikes in response to Houthi missile attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, which have caused disruptions to global supply chains. U.S. Central Command emphasized the importance of these strikes as a demonstration of America’s global strike capabilities.

‍

Since November 2023, the Houthis have intensified their assaults, focusing on both commercial and military ships. They have engaged in actions such as sinking two ships and executing drone strikes, with a significant attack on downtown Tel Aviv occurring in July. Secretary Austin denounced these "reckless and unlawful" attacks, highlighting their danger to international trade and the safety of civilians. In January, the Biden administration classified the Houthis as a "specially designated global terrorist group," underscoring the U.S. dedication to addressing their actions.

‍