US bombers have conducted airstrikes on various targets in Yemen, intensifying military operations in the region. The strikes are part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and stabilize the area.
According to a statement from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Wednesday, the United States deployed long-range bombers to hit five targets in areas of Yemen under Houthi militant control.
Since last November, the Houthis—who hold significant territories in the conflict-ridden country—have been targeting commercial ships traversing the Red Sea. These attacks focus on vessels perceived by the militant group to be linked with Israel and aim to pressure Israel into halting its military activities in Gaza’s Palestinian enclave. In retaliation, U.S. forces initiated Operation Prosperity Guardian against the Houthis in December of that year.
According to Austin, the recent US bombing mission utilized B-2 Spirit long-range aircraft and targeted five underground weapons storage locations. The defense secretary referred to it as a “distinct demonstration of the United States’ capability to target facilities that our adversaries attempt to shield from reach, regardless of how deeply buried, hardened, or fortified they are.”
“The unlawful assaults by the Houthis persist in hindering the free movement of international trade, posing environmental disaster risks and endangering innocent civilians as well as US and allied forces,” Austin stated.
According to Yemeni media reports, the United States conducted strikes on areas near Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, as well as around Saada, a stronghold of the Houthis.
The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden has pledged to continue military support for Israel, despite American officials voicing concerns about the increasing civilian casualties and interference with humanitarian aid in Gaza resulting from operations by the Israel Defense Forces.
Earlier this week, in an uncommon display of dissatisfaction, Washington warned that it would stop further weapons deliveries to Israel if the country did not “demonstrate a sustained commitment” to enhancing the humanitarian conditions in the enclave. This warning was communicated through a joint letter from Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to their Israeli counterparts.
The State Department faced earlier accusations of misleading Congress when it certified in May that Israel was adhering to a U.S. law prohibiting military assistance to countries that hinder the delivery of American humanitarian aid.
Besides targeting commercial vessels, the Houthis have also assaulted Western warships in the region and asserted that they have launched missiles directly at Israel multiple times. They describe these actions as a campaign of solidarity with the Palestinians.
