The U.S. military carried out precision strikes on five underground Houthi weapons storage facilities in Yemen using U.S. Air Force B-2 stealth bombers, the Pentagon announced Wednesday, Oct. 16. The strikes targeted facilities housing weapons components used by the Houthis to attack civilian and military vessels in the region.

The Iran-backed Houthis, designated as a “specially designated global terrorist group” by the Biden administration in January, have been launching missile and drone attacks on commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea since November 2023. These attacks have disrupted global supply chains, sunk two commercial vessels, and killed several people.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin authorized the strikes at the direction of President Biden, stating the U.S. would not hesitate to defend American lives and assets, deter attacks on civilians and regional partners, and protect freedom of navigation in the region. The strikes demonstrate U.S. global strike capabilities to reach targets anytime, anywhere.

The U.S. has carried out multiple airstrikes against the Houthi militant group in response to missile attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. Earlier this month, U.S. aircraft and warships struck 15 targets containing Houthi military capabilities. Since mid-January, the U.S., UK, and allied forces have conducted joint strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.

The Houthis’ attacks continue to disrupt international commerce, pose environmental risks, and endanger civilian and military lives. The U.S. has vowed to hold the Houthis accountable for their actions and warned there will be consequences for their illegal and reckless behavior.