B-2 Bombers Have Not Deployed MOP Bunker Busters Against Houthis in Yemen

U.S. officials confirm that B-2 bombers have not dropped MOP bombs on Yemen’s Houthis, despite prior reports. The use of such specialized munitions would be limited. B-2 operations are part of a broader U.S. military strategy, with strategic implications towards Iran amid ongoing nuclear negotiations.

Recent communications from U.S. officials confirm that B-2 stealth bombers have not utilized the GBU-57/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker buster bombs against Yemen’s Houthi faction since the Trump administration initiated a renewed campaign. Contradictory reports suggesting the deployment of MOPs earlier this month have been dismissed. Should these 30,000-pound bombs be deployed, their application would be highly selective due to their specialized nature.

TWZ highlights that queries regarding potential B-2 missions against Houthi targets were raised following the deployment of six B-2s to Diego Garcia last month, as part of a broader military buildup in the Middle East. Prior reports from The Aviationist and various news outlets suggested the use of MOPs based on a Fox News segment, prompting TWZ to seek clarification directly. A defense official affirmed that no MOPs had been employed in Yemen in the last two months.

Further examinations reveal that B-2 bombers stationed at Diego Garcia have conducted missions targeting the Houthis with unspecified munitions, although the specific types used previously remain undisclosed. Notably, the Pentagon has only provided a single press briefing regarding the Yemen operation since mid-March this year. Observational data from satellite imagery has failed to indicate significant damage to Houthi tunnel complexes, which could imply that MOPs may not have been utilized, as such bombs excel at reaching deeply buried targets.

While future use of GBU-57/Bs against Houthi targets remains feasible, the implications of such actions are multifaceted. The deployment of B-2 bombers to Diego Garcia symbolizes strategic signaling, particularly towards Iran, especially if further conflict arises. Reports indicate ongoing efforts to bolster the U.S. stockpile of MOPs, yet availability is currently limited.

Any decisions to drop MOPs on Houthi installations would need to balance readiness for more critical operations, particularly amidst the ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations. It is crucial to note that if tensions escalate with Iran, higher-priority targets may necessitate the use of these specialized weapons, overshadowing the necessity of targeting Houthi missile stockpiles.

In conclusion, B-2 bombers have not deployed GBU-57/B MOP bombs against the Houthis in Yemen as previously speculated. Reports claiming otherwise have been officially debunked. The operational dynamics surrounding the B-2 deployments suggest strategic signaling towards Iran, particularly given the limited stockpile of MOPs. Future military actions will likely hinge on broader geopolitical relationships and prioritization of potential threats.

Original Source: www.twz.com