Oct 18 (V7N) — As Yemen's Houthi rebel group escalates its attacks on Western shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the United States has responded with unprecedented military force. In a recent operation, the U.S. military deployed advanced B-2 stealth bombers for the first time against Houthi targets, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.

The Houthis have been targeting maritime trade routes, posing a growing threat to international shipping in one of the world's most critical maritime corridors. These rebel forces have used ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones in their operations, prompting the U.S. to take decisive action to protect its interests and those of its allies.

On Wednesday evening, U.S. forces launched strikes aimed at Houthi weapon stockpiles hidden underground in Yemen. The Pentagon confirmed the use of the B-2 stealth bombers, which are rarely deployed except in critical situations due to their advanced capabilities.

The B-2 stealth bomber, renowned for its ability to evade radar and other detection methods, is considered one of the most formidable aircraft in the U.S. arsenal. Originally developed in the 1980s, the stealth bomber utilizes cutting-edge technology to conduct large-scale bombing operations while remaining undetected.

The latest iteration of this bomber, the B-21 Raider, was unveiled by the U.S. Air Force two years ago. Described as a next-generation long-range strategic bomber, the B-21 is equipped to carry both conventional and nuclear weapons. Northrop Grumman, the manufacturer, has maintained a veil of secrecy around its design and construction, emphasizing its role in maintaining U.S. air dominance over the past three decades.

The U.S. government approved a budget of approximately $26 billion in 2010 for the B-21 program, reflecting the importance of stealth technology in modern warfare. The B-2 Spirit, the predecessor to the B-21, has a bomb capacity of up to 20 tons, enabling it to deliver substantial payloads during operations.

As tensions in the region mount, the use of stealth bombers underscores the U.S. commitment to countering Houthi aggression and ensuring the safety of maritime trade routes. The Houthis, in response to the recent attacks, have intensified their operations, leading to fears of a broader regional conflict.

Iran's involvement in the ongoing crisis further complicates the situation, as the Islamic Republic supports the Houthis. The recent missile strikes from Iran on Israel have heightened concerns about escalating violence across the Middle East.

With the U.S. poised to continue its operations in the region, military analysts are closely monitoring the situation, as the deployment of advanced stealth bombers signals a robust response to the challenges posed by Houthi forces and their allies.

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