US Conducts Precision Strikes on Houthi Weapons in Yemen
Overview of the Strikes
The US has executed “precision strikes” against five weapons storage sites in Yemen controlled by the Houthi movement. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed that B-2 Spirit stealth bombers were deployed for this operation, targeting underground facilities that housed missiles and munitions used by the Iran-backed group against both civilian and military vessels.
Demonstrating Military Capability
Austin emphasized the operation as a demonstration of the US’s capability to strike facilities that adversaries sought to keep hidden. Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV reported that the strikes targeted six areas in and around the capital, Sanaa, as well as two near the northern city of Saada. Fortunately, there were no initial indications of civilian casualties, according to US Central Command.
Targeted Areas and Military Implications
Several of the areas mentioned by Al-Masirah are known to host military bases. Analysts have noted that satellite imagery indicated the Houthis were expanding underground facilities, particularly in regions like the Television area north of Sanaa and al-Hafa to the southeast. This ongoing development has raised concerns about the potential for future threats.
Houthi Response and Broader Context
In response, Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a Houthi political official, stated on X that these attacks would “only increase our determination to continue our military operations in support of Gaza.” The Houthis have consistently targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November 2023, claiming their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Impact on International Trade
The Houthi attacks have severely impacted international shipping routes, forcing major companies to avoid the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Despite the deployment of Western warships for protection and previous US and British airstrikes on Houthi-controlled territory, the group has not been deterred.
US Strategy and Future Actions
Austin remarked that, at the direction of President Biden, he authorized these targeted strikes to further degrade the Houthis’ capability for destabilizing actions and to protect US forces in crucial waterways. He asserted that the US would continue to make it clear to the Houthis that there would be consequences for their “illegal and reckless attacks.”
Recent Escalations
In September, the Pentagon reported that the Houthis had launched a “complex attack” on US Navy ships in the region, although all incoming weapons were successfully intercepted. Additionally, the Houthis have fired several missiles and drones directly at Israel, including a drone strike in July that hit Tel Aviv, resulting in one fatality. Following these incidents, Israel responded by targeting Houthi sites in Yemen.
Conclusion
The Houthis are part of a broader network of armed groups in the Middle East backed by Iran, which includes Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. As tensions continue to escalate, the situation remains a focal point for regional security and international trade.
