World

Australia provided support for US air strikes on Yemen

By AAP Newswire

Oct 18, 2024

US Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber takes off at RAAF Base Amberley — Australia provided support for the US stealth bomber strikes on Houthi underground weapons caches. -AP

US bomber aircraft conducting strikes on underground bunkers in Yemen flew through Australian air space in a demonstration of military interoperability, Australian officials say.

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The United States said it carried out strikes on Wednesday against five underground weapons storage facilities in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, in a strike that used long range B-2 stealth bombers against the Iran-aligned group for the first time.

Australia provided support for the US airstrikes, an Australian defence official said in a statement on Friday.

"Australia provided support for US strikes conducted on 17 October 2024 targeting Houthi facilities in Yemen, through access and overflight for US aircraft in northern Australia," the statement said.

"This support is consistent with our longstanding alliance commitment and close co-operation, demonstrating the interoperability of our militaries," it added.

The B-2 bomber aircraft involved in the strikes on Yemen did not operate from Australia, however the ABC reported air-to-air refuelling had been conducted.

Reuters reported in July that RAAF bases in Tindal and Darwin in northern Australia were being upgraded to cater for US bomber and refuelling aircraft with US defence funding, as Australia has re-emerged as a strategically vital Indo-Pacific location for the US amid rising tensions with China.

The US has large jet fuel stores at Tindal and Darwin.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press