In a significant escalation of military actions in Yemen, US B-2 stealth bombers conducted air strikes on October 17, 2024, targeting five underground weapons storage locations in Houthi-controlled areas, particularly around Sanaa and Saada. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin described the mission as a 'unique demonstration' of the US's capability to strike deeply buried and fortified facilities. This operation comes in response to ongoing Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea, which have targeted over 80 vessels since October 2023, and serves as a warning to Iran, the Houthis' main benefactor. The B-2 bombers, valued at approximately $1 billion each and based at Whiteman Air Base in Missouri, are equipped to carry the GBU-57 bomb, specifically designed for penetrating hardened targets. Initial assessments indicated no civilian casualties from the strikes.
In a related incident, near the Yemeni border, a Saudi Patriot battery successfully shot down six Houthi ballistic missiles in just 48 seconds. The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) 290 Patriot unit intercepted the incoming missiles, launching one missile every six seconds. This successful interception demonstrates the effectiveness of Saudi Arabia's air defense capabilities in countering Houthi missile threats. The RSAF also engaged a ballistic missile that posed a threat to commercial airline flights at Jazan Airport. This incident highlights the ongoing conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi militants, with the Houthis launching nearly 400 ballistic missiles and over 800 one-way attack unmanned air systems (UAS) into Saudi Arabia between 2015 and 2022. To tackle these air defense threats, the RSAF has deployed multiple systems to the Yemeni border. Notable engagements include the first hard-kill engagement of a one-way attack drone using the Silent Hunter system and the engagement of 31 one-way attack drones using the Rheinmetall Skyguard air defense gun system in a single day. [c001e561][e74387ca]