Yemen Monitor/Washington/Agencies:
Satellite images analyzed by the Associated Press on Wednesday show the deployment of at least six B-2 Spirit bombers, capable of carrying nuclear weapons, at Camp Thunder Cove on Diego Garcia Island in the Indian Ocean.
The presence of the bombers comes as the US continues an intense airstrike campaign targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen. The B-2 has been used in combat to target the Houthis in the past.
Diego Garcia base is located south of India and is within close proximity to both Iran and Yemen.
Tensions also remain high between Iran and the US over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program. The B-2 fighter would be crucial in the potential bombing of Iranian underground nuclear sites.
The six B-2 aircraft deployed to Diego Garcia constitute nearly a third of all B-2 aircraft that US possesses in its arsenal.
The US has acknowledged using the B-2 in Yemen once since October 2023.
A single B-2 bomber has two pilots. It can fly 6,000 nautical miles (11,112 kilometers) without refueling.
These bombers, known for their stealth capabilities and their ability to carry both nuclear and conventional munitions, are typically used in long-range strategic operations. Their deployment also comes in the context of US military moves to counter potential threats from Iran and the Houthi group, especially with the escalation of attacks targeting maritime navigation in the Red Sea.
