The US has conducted “precision strikes” on five weapons storage sites in Yemen controlled by the Iran-backed Houthi movement, according to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The operation involved B-2 Spirit stealth bombers targeting underground facilities that housed missiles and other munitions used in attacks on civilian and military vessels.

Austin emphasized that the strikes demonstrated the US’s ability to reach facilities adversaries believed were beyond their reach. Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV reported that six areas in and around Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and two near Saada were hit, though no casualties were reported. US Central Command also indicated no initial reports of civilian casualties.

The targeted locations are believed to host military bases where Houthis have been expanding underground infrastructure. Houthi political official Mohammed al-Bukhaiti warned that the strikes would “only increase” their determination to continue military actions in support of Gaza.

Since November 2023, the Houthis have increasingly targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, sinking two vessels, seizing others, and killing crew members. They claim their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, often falsely asserting they only target ships connected to Israel, the US, or the UK. Despite the presence of Western warships and airstrikes from US and British forces, the Houthis have continued their maritime attacks.