The United States has recently conducted precision strikes on five military sites controlled by Houthi forces in Yemen using B-2 bombers. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III stated that the targets were underground facilities housing weapons components that the Houthis have used to attack civilian and military vessels in the region. This action demonstrated the United States’ ability to target heavily fortified facilities that adversaries seek to protect.
The decision to target the Houthi weapons facilities was made in response to over a year of illegal and reckless attacks by the Iran-backed group on U.S. and international vessels in key waterways such as the Red Sea, the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden. These attacks have disrupted international commerce, posed environmental risks, and endangered civilian and military lives.
The deployment of U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit long-range stealth bombers showcased the country’s global strike capabilities and its readiness to take action against threats anywhere and at any time. President Joe Biden authorized the targeted strikes to degrade the Houthi’s capability to engage in destabilizing activities and to safeguard U.S. personnel and assets in critical regions.
The U.S. Central Command has reported that the recent strikes did not result in any civilian casualties. The background on Houthi attacks in the Middle East reveals the extent of their impact on shipping routes and international trade. The group has targeted U.S. Navy ships, commercial vessels, and coalition ships, leading to changes in shipping routes, delays in humanitarian aid delivery, and disruptions in energy and shipping industries.
As the situation continues to unfold, the U.S. government remains committed to defending American interests, deterring attacks on civilians, and ensuring the safety of navigation in vital waterways. The professionalism and dedication of American troops involved in these operations are crucial in upholding national security and protecting vital interests.
Jennifer Griffin, a national security correspondent for FOX News Channel, is closely monitoring this developing story. Stay tuned for further updates on this important issue.