U.S. B-2 Bombers from Diego Garcia Bomb Houthi Base: Rehearsal for Iran Attack?

The U.S. Air Force deployed B-2A Spirit strategic bombers from Diego Garcia Air Base in strikes against Houthi-controlled areas of northern Yemen, a move seen as a show of force toward Iran amid rising tensions.

The bombers targeted a military airfield and a building where high-ranking members of the Ansar Allah movement were reportedly holding an operational meeting.

The Pentagon recently moved B-2 bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, to Diego Garcia, positioning them closer to the Middle East. Their involvement in the Yemen strikes is seen as a possible test of attack scenarios under real-world conditions.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has conducted at least 62 airstrikes against Houthi infrastructure and leadership since March 28. Recent strikes targeted three newly established Houthi military bases, ammunition depots in Sanaa’s Sanhan District, and a government complex in Hazm City, al Jawf Governorate.

CENTCOM is believed to have killed Houthi leaders in a March 30 airstrike on a vehicle in Hajjah Governorate. Such strikes on single vehicles are typically aimed at high-ranking figures rather than lower-ranking fighters. The vehicle was hit on the N5 highway in al Tour, northwestern Yemen, reportedly killing two unidentified individuals.

Senior Houthi officials have acknowledged losses but claim their missile and drone capabilities remain intact. In response to ongoing U.S. airstrikes, the Houthis launched three missile and drone attacks on the USS Harry S. Truman and U.S. Navy destroyers in the Red Sea between March 29 and 30. CENTCOM has not officially confirmed these attacks, and they were reportedly unsuccessful.

The deployment of B-2 bombers comes amid increased tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Former U.S. President Donald Trump previously warned Tehran that it could face unprecedented bombings if it does not halt nuclear weapons development. The use of B-2s in Yemen has raised speculation that the U.S. could be preparing for similar operations against Iran.