In a military operation designed as much to reinforce the message of the United States’ military capacity as to carry out its direct mission, on October 16, 2024, the United States launched an air strike on Houthi installations in Yemen. The attack included the use of B-2 bombers flown from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.

According to a October 16, 2024 statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin:

Today, U.S. military forces, including U.S. Air Force B-2 bombers, conducted precision strikes against five hardened underground weapons storage locations in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. U.S. forces targeted several of the Houthis' underground facilities housing various weapons components of types that the Houthis have used to target civilian and military vessels throughout the region. This was a unique demonstration of the United States' ability to target facilities that our adversaries seek to keep out of reach, no matter how deeply buried underground, hardened, or fortified. The employment of U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit long-range stealth bombers demonstrate U.S. global strike capabilities to take action against these targets when necessary, anytime, anywhere.

For over a year, the Iran-backed Houthis, Specially Designated Global Terrorists, have recklessly and unlawfully attacked U.S. and international vessels transiting the Red Sea, the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis' illegal attacks continue to disrupt the free flow of international commerce, threaten environmental catastrophe, and put innocent civilian lives and U.S. and partner forces' lives at risk. At the direction of President Biden, I authorized these targeted strikes to further degrade the Houthis' capability to continue their destabilizing behavior and to protect and defend U.S. forces and personnel in one of the world's most critical waterways.

Again, the United States will not hesitate to take action to defend American lives and assets; to deter attacks against civilians and our regional partners; and to protect freedom of navigation and increase the safety and security in these waterways for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels. We will continue to make clear to the Houthis that there will be consequences for their illegal and reckless attacks. I am grateful for the professionalism and skill of the brave American troops who took part in today's actions and who continue to stand guard in defense of our Nation.

The use of the B-2 is notable for its rarity.

Before tonight’s B-2 strikes against the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, the last time the American stealth bombers were used in combat was against ISIS in Libya on Obama’s last day in office.

— Lucas Tomlinson (@LucasFoxNews) October 17, 2024

As mentioned, the use of B-2s could well be as much to send a message to the Houthis and their Iranian backers about what the United States has at its disposal to react with should either the Houthis or Iranians continue their aggressions in the region.

Griffin, FOX News’ chief national security correspondent, elaborated:

Why would the U.S. use nuclear capable B2 strategic bombers that flew round trip from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri to strike Houthi targets in Yemen? Sends a strategic message to Iran and others that the U.S. can reach them.

— The B-2 stealth bomber used to carry out these strikes is known as America's "heavy strategic bomber" meaning it is designed to launch large amounts of heavy air-to-ground bombs

— It is the only U.S. aircraft that can discretely drop bombs without detection from adversaries

— It is capable of carrying nukes: The B-2 can drop both conventional and thermonuclear weapons including 500-pound guided-bombs and 2,400 pound nuclear bombs

More on this: https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104482/b-2-spirit/#:~:text=The%20B%2D2%20provides%20the,%2C%20and%20heavily%20defended%2C%20targets

Griffin added:

The Houthis have launched at least 270 attacks on U.S. Navy ships, commercial shipping and coalition ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since last November, according to U.S. defense officials.

— The Houthis have shot down at least eight U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones since Oct. 7th last year. Each of these drones cost up to $32 million dollars.

— At least 29 major energy and shipping companies have changed their routes to avoid Houthi attacks.

— At least 65 countries have been affected by the Houthi attacks including Russia, Iran and China.

— Container shipping in the Red Sea has declined by 90% since December of 2023.

— Shipping through the Red Sea accounts for 10-15% of all international maritime trade

— Alternate shipping routes around Africa add 11,000 nautical miles, 1-2 weeks of transit time and $1 million in fuel costs for each voyage.

— Humanitarian aid for both Sudan and Yemen have been delayed significantly because the ships have to go around Africa.

The attack makes it clear that even in the current disorganized condition plaguing the White House, the Biden administration can be roused to action when sufficiently provoked. It also sends a none-too-subtle message to Iran that should it attempt another attack on Israel or continue making zero effort toward hiding its murderous intentions against Israel, the United States can and will retaliate with near impunity.

More on this story as it develops.