US Strikes Houthi Weapon Storage Sites in Yemen

The United States launched precision airstrikes on five underground weapons storage sites controlled by the Houthi forces in Yemen, according to US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Austin confirmed that the strikes targeted Houthi facilities housing weapon components used in attacks on both civilian and military vessels in the region.

The airstrikes, carried out by B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, mark the first use of these strategic bombers in US operations against the Houthis since the American military campaign in Yemen began.

US defense officials told CNN that the targeted facilities contained advanced conventional weapons used by the Houthis to strike ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

These strikes come at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Israel expected to respond to Iranian missile attacks ahead of the US elections on November 5. 

Simultaneously, Israel is grappling with ongoing conflicts with Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.

The rising hostilities between the US and Houthi forces have intensified over recent months, with the Houthis consistently launching attacks on commercial ships and US naval assets in the region.