What are B-2 bombers used by the US to strike Houthi bunkers in Yemen?

US long-range B-2 stealth bombers launched air strikes early Thursday morning targeting underground bunkers used by Yemen's Houthis, officials said.

It wasn't immediately clear what damage was done in the strikes.

However, there are no previous reports of the B-2 Spirit being used in the strikes targeting the Houthis, who have been attacking ships for months in the Red Sea corridor over the past year in solidarity with Gaza which is going through Israeli aggression.

The Houthis' Al Masirah satellite news channel reported air strikes around Yemen's capital, Sanaa, which the group has held since 2014. They also reported strikes around the Houthi stronghold of Saada. They offered no immediate information on damage or casualties.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement that the B-2 bombers targeted “five hardened underground weapons storage locations in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.”

“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,” Austin said.

Austin and the US military's Central Command offered no immediate assessment on the damage done. However, Central Command said in a statement that initial assessments suggested no civilians had been killed.

The Red Sea has become a battlefield for shippers since the Houthis began their campaign targeting ships traveling through the waterway, which once saw $1 trillion of cargo pass through it yearly.

Houthis have targeted more than 80 merchant vessels with missiles and drones since the war in Gaza started in October 2023. They have seized one vessel and sunk two in the campaign that has also killed four sailors.

Other missiles and drones have either been intercepted by a US-led coalition in the Red Sea or failed to reach their targets, which have included Western military vessels.

Stealth powerhouse

The B-2 Spirit bombers are among the US military's most advanced aircraft, designed to evade enemy detection and operate deep within hostile airspace.

Their stealth technology minimises radar and infrared signatures, making them nearly invisible to enemy defences, which allows them to strike critical targets with precision and minimal risk.

With a range of 6,000 nautical miles without refueling, the B-2 can conduct long-range missions anywhere in the world. This gives the US military a strategic advantage, enabling rapid responses to emerging threats or conflicts across the globe.

The aircraft is also capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional weapons, which adds to its versatility in combat.

The B-2's effectiveness has been demonstrated in major conflicts, including the Kosovo and US war in Iraq. Its ability to target key infrastructure while avoiding detection has made it an indispensable tool in modern warfare.

Developed by Northrop Grumman and introduced in 1993, the B-2 remains a vital part of the US military's long-range strike capabilities.