The US Air Force Deploys B-2 Spirit Bombers to Strike Iran-Backed Houthi Targets
The U.S. Air Force has deployed its B-2 Spirit bombers to strike Iran-backed Houthi targets in Yemen, marking the aircraft’s first combat operation since 2017. This is not just any ordinary military mission; it sends a clear and powerful message to Iran and its proxies in the region.
The B-2 bombers were tasked with targeting hidden underground weapons facilities used by Houthi forces in Yemen. These strikes were launched in response to a series of attacks by the Houthis on civilian and military vessels in the region. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin highlighted the precision and strength of U.S. military capabilities, noting that the U.S. can strike deeply buried targets with formidable force. This operation underscores America’s resolve to protect its interests in the region and prevent further Houthi aggression.
This deployment of B-2 bombers sends a significant signal to Iran and its allied forces. Retired Air Force Col. Mark Gunzinger emphasized that while the Houthis were the direct target, the underlying message is for Tehran. The U.S. demonstrated not only its ability but also its willingness to utilize high-end military assets when necessary. The presence of B-2s, which are rarely deployed in combat, elevates the gravity of the situation and reflects the strategic importance of the mission.
The last time B-2 bombers were used in combat was in 2017 when they conducted a 33-hour mission to Libya, targeting and eliminating approximately 100 Islamic State militants. Since the B-2 Spirit became operational in the mid-1990s, it has been one of the most advanced and lethal aircraft in the U.S. Air Force’s arsenal. With a payload of 40,000 pounds, the stealth bomber can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons, making it a critical asset in high-stakes missions like this one.
As the B-2 continues to serve its vital role in U.S. defence strategy, the Air Force is already looking toward the future. The new B-21 Raider bomber, currently in-flight testing, is expected to replace the B-2 and other older bombers. The Department of Defence has plans to acquire around 100 B-21 bombers, each priced at approximately $700 million. These next-generation aircraft will further enhance the U.S.’s ability to conduct long-range, precision-strike operations.
This latest deployment of the B-2 Spirit demonstrates that the U.S. is not backing down in its efforts to curb Iran’s influence in the region, signalling that American military power remains a potent force on the world stage.
