U.S. Deploys B-2 Bombers in Yemen to Target Houthi Underground Sites; Israel Kills Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar

Late Wednesday evening, the Pentagon announced that the United States had deployed B-2 Spirit bombers to the Middle East to carry out precision strikes on underground targets controlled by Houthi forces in Yemen. According to a Pentagon spokesperson Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder’s strikes targeted five hardened weapons storage facilities in Houthi-controlled areas, where various military components were being stored. Se facilities, Ryder noted, housed weapons used by Houthis to launch attacks on civilian and military vessels in key waterways. 

” U.S. military, including our Air Force B-2 bombers, conducted precision strikes against underground facilities, targeting very weapons Houthis have been using in their continued attacks,” said Ryder during a briefing. ” Message to Houthis is clear—re will be consequences for ir illegal and reckless actions that endanger both civilian lives and our personnel in the region.” 

For over a year, Houthi forces, supported by Iran, have launched repeated attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden, often posing significant threats to regional stability and maritime safety. While the exact impact of bomber strikes is still under assessment, initial reports from the U.S. Central Command indicate that the mission achieved its objectives. 

“We struck exactly what we intended,” Ryder added, emphasizing that the operation was a calculated response to Houthi aggression. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III also released a statement, reaffirming the U.S.’s determination to protect its forces and interests in the Middle East. “The United States will not hesitate to defend American lives and assets, deter attacks against civilians and our regional partners, and protect freedom of navigation,” Austin said. He further stressed that the U.S. would continue to take action against Houthi forces to safeguard stability in the region. 

Death of Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar 

In a separate development, Israel announced today the killing of Yahya Sinwar,  leader of Hamas, in what is being hailed as a significant blow to the militant group. Sinwar, who had been a key figure in orchestrating Hamas attacks, including the October 7 assault on Israel, was killed by Israeli forces in a targeted operation. His death is seen as a major achievement in Israel’s counterterrorism efforts. 

Defense Secretary Austin commented on the development, stating, “Killing Yahya Sinwar is a major milestone in counterterrorism efforts. While his death will not undo the suffering he caused, it brings a measure of justice to  many victims of his premeditated cruelty.” Sinwar had been a central figure in Hamas operations for years, and his removal could have far-reaching implications for the group’s leadership. 

Air Force Maj. Gen. Ryder acknowledged the significance of Sinwar’s death but cautioned that Hamas would likely replace him soon. “While anor leader may take Sinwar’s place, his removal from the battlefield is a major step forward,” Ryder said. He also noted that Sinwar was the architect of the October 7 attack, which led to significant loss of life in Israel. 

Deployment of THAAD System to Israel 

Meanwhile, the United States has reinforced its commitment to Israel by deploying the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. This anti-ballistic missile defense system is designed to protect Israel from missile attacks amid ongoing conflict. An advanced team of U.S. military personnel, along with key components of the THAAD system, arrived in Israel earlier this week, and the system is expected to be fully operational soon. 

” Deployment of THAAD battery reflects United States’ unwavering commitment to Israel’s security,” Secretary Austin stated in a phone call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. This move further solidifies the U.S.’s position as a key ally in ensuring Israel’s defense capabilities during a time of heightened tensions. 

As the U.S. continues its military operations in Yemen and its defense efforts in Israel, these developments mark a pivotal moment in both regions, highlighting the complexity of ongoing conflicts and the U.S.’s strategic priorities in the Middle East. With operations against  Houthis intensifying and Hamas facing leadership challenges, the geopolitical landscape remains fluid, with both immediate and long-term consequences for regional stability.