From the Liveblog of
Friday, October 18, 2024
Australia says it provided support for US airstrikes on Yemen earlier this week
US bomber aircraft conducting strikes on underground bunkers in Houthi-controlled Yemen this week flew through Australian air space in a demonstration of military interoperability, Australian officials say
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 defense official says.
“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 reads.
“This support is consistent with our long-standing alliance commitment and close cooperation, demonstrating the interoperability of our militaries,” it adds.
The B-2 bomber aircraft involved in the strikes on Yemen did not operate from Australia, however, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports air-to-air refueling had been conducted.
Reuters reported in July that Royal Australian Air Force bases in Tindal and Darwin in northern Australia were being upgraded to cater for US bomber and refueling aircraft with US defense 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.
