U.S. officials confirmed that B-2 bombers have not deployed MOPs against Yemeni Houthis in recent operations. Despite earlier reports, no GBU-57/Bs have been employed after an increased military presence in the Middle East. The strategic use of such weapons remains tied to geopolitical tensions, particularly with Iran, and future deployment will depend on stock levels and ongoing negotiations.
Recent statements from U.S. officials indicate that B-2 stealth bombers have not deployed any GBU-57/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker buster bombs against Yemen’s Houthi forces during the ongoing military campaign initiated by the Trump administration. Despite initial reports suggesting their use earlier this month, officials confirmed that these specialized weapons, prized for their capabilities, have not been utilized against the Houthis in recent months.
The discussion regarding the B-2 bombers and the potential employment of MOPs arose following increased U.S. military presence in the Middle East, especially with six B-2s stationed at Diego Garcia. Similar considerations were evident last year when B-2s engaged Houthi targets. The inquiry about MOPs came in light of significant military mobilization, suggesting a possible strategy to convey diplomatic messages to Iran.
A recent report from The Aviationist and other outlets citing the use of MOPs against the Houthis stemmed from a Fox News segment. However, a U.S. defense official has clarified that no such bombs were executed in Yemen over the past two months. Furthermore, discussions with an additional U.S. official echoed this sentiment, reinforcing that GBU-57s have not been deployed during the current operation.
The B-2s stationed at Diego Garcia have executed missions targeting the Houthis with other unspecified munitions. There remains uncertainty regarding the precise mix of munitions utilized in previous strikes against Yemen, with limited official commentary provided on the present campaign since mid-March. Satellite imagery assessments of Houthi tunnel complexes also indicate a lack of observable damage, which could suggest MOPs’ deployment may not be visually discernible.
The potential for B-2s to employ GBU-57s in future operations against Houthi positions persists. Given the strategic implications of deploying such bombers to the region, the MOP’s role in signaling power cannot be understated. However, while there are reports of an increasing accumulation of GBU-57s, the total available stockpile remains modest, necessitating cautious management to ensure availability for significant contingencies.
Strategically limited use of the MOPs on particularly fortified targets could afford meaningful signaling benefits towards Iran while providing valuable tactical insights. However, with ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations concerning nuclear capabilities, any military actions, including the deployment of MOPs, will be influenced by the outcome of these discussions. Should confrontations escalate with Iran, the focus may shift towards employing these advanced weaponry against higher-priority threats rather than Houthi-related targets.
In summary, B-2 stealth bombers have not utilized GBU-57/B Massive Ordnance Penetrators against the Houthis in Yemen, as per U.S. official confirmations. Although strategic discussions around such munitions persist, particularly concerning military signaling to Iran, current stockpiles necessitate judicious use. The ongoing geopolitical dialogue with Iran remains a critical factor in determining the future deployment of these powerful missile systems.
Original Source: www.twz.com
