Fact Check: "B-2 bombers stationed at the base took part in airstrikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen earlier this year."
What We Know
In October 2024, the U.S. military deployed B-2 Spirit stealth bombers to conduct airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen. These strikes targeted underground bunkers used by the Houthis, marking a significant escalation in U.S. military involvement in the region. According to reports, the bombers struck five hardened underground weapons storage locations in Houthi-controlled areas, which were part of a broader operation in response to Houthi attacks on shipping lanes in the Red Sea (AP News, Air & Space Forces).
The airstrikes were part of a coordinated effort involving the U.S. and UK, with operations initiated under the code name Operation Poseidon Archer. This operation came in response to increased Houthi aggression against maritime traffic, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Gaza (Wikipedia).
Analysis
The claim that B-2 bombers participated in airstrikes against Houthi rebels is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press reported that the B-2 bombers targeted Houthi bunkers in Yemen, which aligns with the U.S. Defense Secretary's statements regarding the strikes being a demonstration of the U.S. military's capabilities (AP News). Furthermore, the operation was characterized as a direct response to Houthi missile and drone attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, indicating a strategic military response rather than an isolated incident.
The reliability of the sources supporting this claim is high. The Associated Press is a well-established news organization known for its rigorous fact-checking standards. Additionally, the information corroborated by the Wikipedia entry on U.S.-UK airstrikes in Yemen provides a comprehensive overview of the military actions taken, including the specific involvement of B-2 bombers (Wikipedia).
However, it is important to note that while the strikes were reported as targeting military installations, the exact impact and effectiveness of these operations, including civilian casualties, were not immediately clear (AP News). This ambiguity is common in military reporting, where operational details can be sensitive and subject to change.
Conclusion
The claim that B-2 bombers stationed at a base took part in airstrikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen earlier this year is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that these bombers were indeed deployed for this purpose as part of a larger military operation aimed at countering Houthi threats to maritime security in the region.
