Australia: We provided support for US airstrikes on underground sites in Yemen

U.S. aircraft carrying out strikes on underground sites in Yemen this week flew through Australian airspace, Australian officials said on Friday, showing the extent of military cooperation.

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

An Australian defense official said in a statement that his country provided support for the US air strikes.

The statement said, “Australia provided support for US strikes carried out on 17 October 2024 targeting Houthi facilities in Yemen, by providing access for US aircraft to and from northern Australia.”

“This support is consistent with our firm commitment to the alliance and close cooperation, demonstrating the extent of cooperation between our two militaries,” the statement added.

The B-2 bombers used in the strikes on Yemen did not operate from Australia, but the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that the aircraft were refueled in the air.

A Reuters report in July said Royal Australian Air Force bases at Tyndall and Darwin in northern Australia were being upgraded to accommodate U.S. bombers and refuel aircraft with U.S. defense funding, at a time when Australia's position in the Indo-Pacific region has emerged as a vital strategic location amid rising tensions with China.

The United States has large aviation fuel depots at Tyndall and Darwin.

Source: Reuters