The U.S. use of 10-ton “Bunker Buster” bombs in recent raids on populated areas in Sana’a and Sa’ada raises questions about military escalation and its impact on Yemen and the region.


This development comes amid rising tensions and complex political and security dynamics, necessitating a deeper analysis of the motives and potential consequences of this crime—the use of internationally banned bombs in densely populated civilian areas. 
Analyzing the Motives 

Washington’s resort to using massive blue-and-white “bunker buster” bombs appears to reflect a U.S. desire to inflict devastating damage, given the impossibility of direct ground intervention in Yemen—a country historically known as the “graveyard of invaders.”

This type of weapon is typically used to cause widespread destruction and instill terror among both civilians and combatants, suggesting a strategy aimed at crippling the enemy’s ability to continue fighting.

From another perspective, the U.S. may be deploying these bombs as part of a deterrence message to its regional adversaries, especially amid escalating geopolitical tensions.

This escalation could also be linked to shifts in U.S. policy toward Yemen, particularly as the Biden administration faces mounting domestic and international pressure over its role in the Arab-Israeli conflict and its failure to neutralize Sana’a’s missile and drone capabilities. 

Political and Legal Consequences 

Domestically: These strikes could fuel further military escalation, potentially pushing Sana’a forces to intensify their operations against Israeli and U.S. interests in the region in retaliation. 

Internationally: The use of internationally prohibited bombs raises concerns over serious violations of international law, possibly triggering diplomatic actions against the U.S. in human rights and U.N. forums. 

Humanitarian Impact: The raids will likely worsen Yemen’s humanitarian crisis, where civilians already endure dire conditions after a decade of war and blockade, potentially leading to further displacement and straining aid organizations. 

A New Phase in the Yemeni-U.S. Conflict 

The use of banned bombs in U.S. airstrikes on Yemen reveals shifting dynamics in the conflict, with warring parties attempting to reshape the military balance on the ground. Washington may be seeking leverage to break Sana’a’s unwavering stance on supporting Gaza—regardless of the consequences. 

As international condemnations grow, critical questions remain: How will this dangerous escalation impact the prospects for a political solution in Yemen? Will it force Sana’a to reconsider its insistence on ending the aggression against Gaza and lifting the blockade? And could it lead to a broader reassessment of war and peace strategies in the region? 

Al Masirah report