Late Wednesday night, the Pentagon announced that the United States had sent B-2 Spirit bombers to the Middle East to destroy targets in Yemen. A Pentagon spokesperson said in a briefing today that the Houthi-controlled target site was buried deep underground.
“U.S. forces, including U.S. Air Force B-2 bombers, conducted precision strikes on five fortified underground weapons caches in Houthi-held areas of Yemen,” said Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. “U.S. forces targeted several underground Houthi facilities that house various weapons components of the type that the Houthis have used to target civilian ships and warships throughout the region.”
For more than a year, the Houthis, backed by Iran, have repeatedly attacked U.S. and foreign ships in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and Gulf of Aden.
The full extent of the bomber attack is not yet known, but U.S. Central Command is assessing it. Ryder said the mission was a success.
“We carried out exactly what we intended to attack,” he said, adding that the mission sent a message to the Houthis. “The consequences of their unlawful and reckless attacks, which endanger the lives of innocent civilians and the lives of U.S. and partner forces, will continue.”
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said in a statement last night that the United States will do what it takes to protect its forces in the Middle East.
“The United States is committed to protecting U.S. life and property, to deter attacks against civilians and regional partners, and to protect freedom of navigation for U.S., coalition, and commercial shipping, and to enhance the safety and security of these waterways. “I would not hesitate to take action,” Austin said. “We continue to make clear to the Houthis that there will be consequences for their illegal and reckless attacks.”
Hamas leader dies
Today, Israel announced that it had killed Hamas leader Yahya Shinwar.
“Today’s killing of Yahya Sinwar, leader of the terrorist organization Hamas, by Israeli forces is a major achievement in counterterrorism,” Austin said. “Although Sinwar’s death does not heal the wounds of the October 7 atrocities he orchestrated and the many deaths he is responsible for, it does bring a small measure of justice and comfort to Sinwar’s family and loved ones. I hope that.” Sinwar’s deliberate atrocities claimed many lives. ”
Ryder said Sinwar’s removal is important even though Hamas may not immediately elect another leader.
“I’m sure that’s something Israelis will continue to focus on, and we will too,” Ryder said. “Also, from a counter-terrorism perspective, I don’t think we can underestimate the importance of the role that Shinwar played in leading this organization and as the architect, so to speak, of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. What was done is important.”
Austin said Shinwar’s removal increases the chances for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
“Mr. Shinwar’s death will help achieve a lasting ceasefire, end this terrible war, allow Israelis to safely return to their homes in southern Israel, alleviate devastation in Gaza, and bring relief and hope. “This presents a unique opportunity to urgently deliver even more humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people who have endured under Hamas’s tyranny.”
In a telephone conversation with Israeli Defense Minister Job Gallant today, Austin discussed the Sinwar killing. He also reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel’s right to self-defense and that the U.S. is providing Israel with the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system.
On Monday, an advanced team of U.S. military personnel arrived in Israel with initial equipment needed to operate THAAD. THAAD is an anti-ballistic missile defense system.
Ryder said at the time that additional U.S. military personnel and THAAD battery parts would continue to arrive in Israel this week.
“The battery will be fully operational and functional in the near future,” he said, without specifying a date.
Austin also said in a call with Gallant today that THAAD’s arrival is another indicator of America’s commitment to Israel.
“Secretary Austin…reiterated that the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense Battery represents the United States’ unwavering, enduring, and ironclad commitment to Israel’s security,” Ryder said.
