SANAA: In a significant escalation of the conflict in Yemen, Houthi rebels have successfully downed seven US-made Reaper drones within a span of six weeks, according to confirmation from US defense officials.
The loss of these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), each valued at around $30 million, has resulted in damages totaling over $200 million, underlining the increasing costs of the ongoing confrontation.
In the past week alone, three of these drones were shot down, pointing to a notable improvement in the Houthis’ military capabilities, particularly in terms of targeting and intercepting high-value assets. The drones, which were primarily deployed for surveillance and targeted strikes, fell either into the sea or onto land after being struck by Houthi fire.
Since mid-March, the US military has ramped up its operations against Houthi forces, with President Donald Trump authorizing daily airstrikes as part of a broader strategy to curb the growing missile and drone threats posed by the rebels. These attacks have targeted Houthi missile launch sites and military infrastructure, particularly those threatening the vital shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Despite these efforts, the Houthis have remained active in launching their own missile and drone attacks against both military and civilian maritime targets. While no US Navy ships have been hit so far, the persistent danger has led to the deployment of additional American naval forces, including the USS Harry S. Truman and the USS Carl Vinson, to bolster security in the region.
The ongoing air campaign has also raised concerns in the United States about potential civilian casualties. US senators recently expressed their worries following an airstrike on the Ras Isa oil terminal, which is feared to have resulted in over 70 civilian deaths. In response, lawmakers have called for greater oversight and measures to minimize civilian harm.
The Reaper drones, built by General Atomics, are a cornerstone of the US military’s surveillance and strike capabilities, operating at altitudes above 40,000 feet. Despite the setbacks, US officials remain committed to continuing their efforts to safeguard international shipping routes and protect regional interests, with investigations into the recent drone losses still ongoing.
