B-2A Spirit stealth bombers strike Houthi targets
October 18, 2024
In an attack that was clearly sending a message to the Houthi’s ally and paymaster, Iran, the USAF mounted an attack against deeply buried hardened targets using its B-2A Spirit Stealth bombers. This was interpreted as signalling the USAF’s ability to strike Iran’s most securely protected nuclear facilities.
US Air Force Major General Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary said that: “US military forces including US Air Force B-2 bombers conducted precision strikes against five hardened underground weapons storage locations in Houthi controlled areas of Yemen.”
Local media reported that the airstrikes hit targets around Sanaa, Yemen’s Houthi-held capital, and near the Houthi stronghold of Saada. United States Central Command said that damage assessments are underway, and that these “did not indicate civilian casualties.”
Ryder went on to say that US forces had: “targeted several of the Houthis underground facilities, housing various weapons components of the types the Houthis have used to target civilian and military vessels throughout the region. US Central Command is still conducting a post-strike assessment, so I don’t have any details to provide on that front, other than to say that we struck exactly what we intended to hit, and we’ll provide updates as appropriate.”
No details were given as to how many B-2As took part, nor as to where they flew from (probably their home base at Whiteman AFB, Missourri, or perhaps Diego Garcia), nor even what weapons were employed. Interestingly, the B-2A is unique in being able to carry the 30,000-lb GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator which can penetrate deeper than any other conventional bomb and was specifically designed to knock out deeply buried, high-value targets, “no matter how deeply buried underground, hardened or fortified.”
Ryder said that the attacks “demonstrated US global strike capabilities to take action against these targets when necessary, anytime, anywhere. It also sends a clear message to the Houthis that there will continue to be consequences for their illegal and reckless attacks, which put innocent civilian lives and US and partner forces lives at risk.”
In a statement, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said that: “This was a unique demonstration of the United States’ ability to target facilities that our adversaries seek to keep out of reach.”
Austin added that: “For over a year, the Iran-backed Houthis, Specially Designated Global Terrorists, have recklessly and unlawfully attacked US and international vessels transiting the Red Sea, the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis’ illegal attacks continue to disrupt the free flow of international commerce, threaten environmental catastrophe, and put innocent civilian lives and U.S. and partner forces’ lives at risk. At the direction of President Biden, I authorized these targeted strikes to further degrade the Houthis’ capability to continue their destabilizing behavior and to protect and defend U.S. forces and personnel in one of the world’s most critical waterways. Again, the United States will not hesitate to take action to defend American lives and assets; to deter attacks against civilians and our regional partners; and to protect freedom of navigation and increase the safety and security in these waterways for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels. We will continue to make clear to the Houthis that there will be consequences for their illegal and reckless attacks. I am grateful for the professionalism and skill of the brave American troops who took part in today’s actions and who continue to stand guard in defense of our Nation.”
