First US deployment of B-2 Stealth Bombers against Houthi objectives in Yemen

The US conducted B-2 stealth bomber strikes on underground weapon facilities in Yemen for the first time, marking an escalation and partially serving as a warning to Houthi's allies in Tehran.

Local television outlets reporting from areas controlled by the Houthis disclosed 15 incidents targeted five sites near Sana'a city center and within Saada governorate—traditional territory for supporters of the movement, also known as Ansar Allah or simply Houthi.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin communicated in a statement that American forces aimed at several underground facilities where various weapons components were stored by Houthis used to target both civilian and military vessels regionally.

These strikes intended degrading the militant group's ability for self-defense, asserting protection of US personnel in one of Earth’s most crucial maritime routes. He further emphasized America's readiness to act against these targets whenever necessary due to its global strike capability demonstrated through this long-range stealth bomber mission.

No immediate reports were available regarding casualties following the incidents at press time. Nasruddin Amer, Deputy Head of Media Office for Houthis communicated on platform X: “America will pay a price due to its aggression in Yemen and we've voiced before that this won’t deter us from supporting Gaza.”

Houthis form part of Tehran-led axis resisting Israel, extending beyond the conflict zone. The group has been targeted at ships passing through the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea—claimed to be linked with Israel operations in support for Palestinians engaged in warfare there. Despite this stance however they have also attacked vessels unrelated to Israeli interests and even launched missiles as well armed drones against Israel itself, causing significant disruption at sea trade routes leading from the Red Sea into Suez Canal—crucial global commerce conduit carrying 12% of worldwide shipment.

US along with UK initiated air strikes on Houthi in January and further intensified them when Syria was also targeted, alleging weapon transfers happening through Yemen by Hezbollah allies—an organization sharing similar affiliations as the Houthis to Iran’s influence under threat of regional conflict.

Controlled since 2014 over north Yemen where majority population resides, Houthi has enforced harsh conditions on local people within its rule amid failed attempts by a Saudi and UAE-backed coalition for removal despite extensive bombing efforts coupled with siege causing severe famine and disease outbreak.

Recently separate developments saw an Israeli air strike target the Syrian city of Latakia, reportedly injuring two civilians as per state media's disclosure—a move in line with intensifying raids on Lebanon where Hezbollah bastions are being heavily bombed for more than three weeks by Israel under accusation that they facilitate weapon transfer through Syria.