Australia says it provided support for US airstrikes on Yemen

18/10/2024 18:00

        U.S. bomber aircraft conducting strikes on underground bunkers in Yemen this week flew through Australian air space in a demonstration of military interoperability, Australian officials said on Friday.
        
        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.
        
        An Australian defence official said in a statement, Australia provided support for the U.S. airstrikes.
        
        The statement said, "Australia provided support for U.S. strikes conducted on 17 October 2024 targeting Houthi facilities in Yemen, through access and overflight for U.S. aircraft in northern Australia."
        
        It added, "This support is consistent with our long-standing alliance commitment and close cooperation, demonstrating the interoperability of our militaries."
        
        The B-2 bomber aircraft involved in the strikes on Yemen did not operate from Australia, however the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported air-to-air refuelling had been conducted.