In a major escalation, the United States launched airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, targeting five underground weapons storage facilities. The strikes, authorized by President Joe Biden and carried out with B-2 stealth bombers, took place on Wednesday evening, marking the first time the US has used these bombers to attack the Houthis. The targets were located in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa and the city of Saada.

The facilities housed advanced conventional weapons used to target military and civilian vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. According to US defense officials, the weapons included components for missile systems and drones that have been increasingly used to target shipping in one of the world’s busiest waterways.

“A Unique Demonstration of U.S. Capabilities”

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin highlighted the significance of the strikes, stating that it was a “unique demonstration of the United States’ ability to target facilities that our adversaries seek to keep out of reach.” The B-2 Spirit bombers were chosen for their ability to carry a much larger payload than the fighter jets typically used in strikes, further demonstrating US global strike capabilities.

Austin emphasized that these strikes were necessary to “further degrade” the Houthis’ military capabilities following a series of attacks on US and international vessels. He added that the US remains committed to protecting its interests in the region, particularly given the ongoing threat from the Houthis’ missile and drone capabilities.

Houthis Vow Retaliation

In response, the Houthi leadership issued a warning, with Nasruddin Amer, deputy head of the Houthis’ media office, stating on social media platform X, “America will pay the price for its aggression on Yemen.” He also linked the attacks to the wider regional conflict, underscoring the Houthis’ stance in support of Gaza.

The Houthis have been part of a broader Iran-led coalition that includes Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. These groups have been involved in attacks on Israel and its allies since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Houthis have framed their actions as retaliation against Israel’s military operations in Gaza and have vowed to continue strikes on Israel and its allies until a ceasefire is achieved.

A Year of Intensifying Conflict

The strikes come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. Over the past year, the Houthis have ramped up attacks on international shipping, targeting both commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea. The US has responded with multiple military actions, including the interception of Houthi missiles and drones.

Most recently, in September, the Houthis launched a series of ballistic and cruise missiles against US Navy destroyers, though none hit their intended targets. The Houthis have also been linked to missile attacks against Israel, including an attempted missile strike in September that the Israeli military intercepted.

Growing US Presence in the Region

The US military presence in the region has increased significantly following the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict last October. With a carrier strike group, guided missile destroyers, and a broad range of air assets, the US has positioned itself to respond quickly to threats in the region.

The recent strikes underscore the US commitment to maintaining security in the Middle East while confronting threats from Iran-backed militias. However, with the Houthis vowing to continue their attacks, tensions in the region are expected to remain high.