On the early morning of October 17th, U.S. military forces deployed B-2 Spirit bombers in Yemen to strike weapons storage sites associated with the Iranian-backed Houthi movement. This operation, confirmed by Defense Department officials, marks the first use of the stealth bombers since the U.S. announced its commitment to safeguarding navigation in the region, according to CNN.
The timing of this action comes as tensions rise in the Middle East, with speculation that Israel may respond to Iran’s missile attack on October 1st prior to the U.S. election day on November 5th. At the same time, American troops have begun arriving in Israel to operate the THAAD missile defense system.
Several officials indicated that the targeted sites housed advanced conventional weapons used to attack military and civilian vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The B-2 bombers are currently among the largest aircraft deployed against the Houthi movement, capable of carrying heavier payloads. Over the past year, the U.S. has conducted multiple strikes and interceptions of Houthi drones and missiles to protect maritime vessels and diminish their armament stockpile. However, Houthi attacks have continued unabated.
