U.S. stealth bombers hit targets in Yemen

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has carried out multiple precision airstrikes against underground Houthi weapons storage facilities in Yemen.

These facilities, which were located in areas controlled by Iran-backed Houthi forces, contained advanced weapons used to target international vessels in the Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.

The strikes are part of ongoing efforts to reduce the Houthis’ ability to conduct attacks on U.S. and coalition military and civilian ships.

U.S. Central Command Conducts Multiple Strikes on Underground Iran-Backed Houthi Weapons Facilities pic.twitter.com/6YjQRVFvSD

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) October 17, 2024

According to the CENTCOM release, “These actions were taken to degrade the Houthi’s capability to continue their reckless and unlawful attacks on international commercial shipping and on U.S., coalition, and merchant personnel and vessels.” The targeted sites housed missiles and other weapons components, and the strikes are seen as a measure to improve the security of regional partners and shipping routes in these critical waters.

The operation involved advanced military assets, including U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit long-range stealth bombers.

CENTCOM highlighted the significance of this deployment by stating that the B-2’s involvement “demonstrates U.S. global strike capabilities to reach these targets, when necessary, anytime, anywhere.”

So far, battle damage assessments indicate no civilian casualties. CENTCOM added that, “Our battle damage assessments are underway and do not indicate civilian casualties. We will provide updates as information is confirmed.” This ongoing operation is part of broader U.S. efforts to ensure maritime stability and protect against threats posed by the Houthis in the region.