The US military led an international task force in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden deploying F-35C stealth fighter jets for their first combat missions. These missions targeted Houthi rebel facilities in Yemen marking a significant operational milestone. The airstrikes, executed from November 9 to 10, hit multiple Houthi weapons storage sites, which housed advanced weapons used by Iran-backed Houthis to target international vessels in the region. The operation also involved B-2 Spirit bombers alongside the F-35Cs, demonstrating the advanced capabilities of the US military. Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder from CENTCOM confirmed the precision of the airstrikes and the collaboration between US Navy and Air Force assets. The mission highlighted the versatility of the F-35C, designed for aircraft carrier operations, and its role in countering regional threats. Meanwhile, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi accused the US of supporting Israeli military actions and warned of potential attacks on US warships entering the Red Sea. He also called for solidarity with Palestine and criticised Arab governments for their ties with Israel. The Pentagon expressed concern over the advanced weaponry used by Houthi rebels, with Under Secretary of Defense Bill LaPlante describing their advancements as “scary” during a defence summit.
