In less than six weeks, Houthi rebels in Yemen have shot down seven US MQ-9 Reaper drones, each worth about $30 million. These losses have cost the Pentagon more than $200 million, marking one of the most expensive setbacks in its ongoing military campaign against the Iran-backed group.
Three Reapers Downed in Just a Week
According to defense officials, three drones were destroyed in just the past week. This indicates that the Houthis have become more accurate in targeting the unmanned aircraft that fly over Yemen. These drones were either attacking or carrying out surveillance missions when they were hit. Some crashed into land, while others fell into the sea.
The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were discussing active military operations.
Daily US Strikes Since March
The US began stepping up its strikes on the Houthis on March 15, after President Donald Trump ordered an expanded campaign. He said he would use “overwhelming lethal force” until the Houthis stop attacking ships in a key maritime route.
Since then, the US has carried out over 750 strikes against Houthi positions.
Although officials believe enemy fire is the reason behind the drone crashes, the incidents are still under review. One defense official said the rise in US airstrikes increases the risk to aircraft, but added that “the US will take every measure possible to protect troops, equipment and interests in the region.” The official also asked to remain anonymous.
Timeline of Drone Losses
The Reaper drones, built by General Atomics, usually fly at over 12,100 meters (about 40,000 feet). The Houthis have proudly claimed responsibility for shooting them down in public statements.
One official confirmed the US lost drones on March 31 and April 3, 9, 13, 18, 19, and 22.
US Senators Raise Alarm Over Civilian Deaths
While the Houthis continue their attacks, some US lawmakers are worried about civilian casualties from American strikes. Democratic Senators Chris Van Hollen, Elizabeth Warren, and Tim Kaine wrote a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday.
They questioned whether the Trump administration is ignoring its duty to minimize harm to civilians. Specifically, they pointed to recent US airstrikes on the Ras Isa fuel terminal in Yemen, which may have killed more than 70 civilians.
“Military leaders agree that ingraining civilian harm mitigation practices within US operations leads to better outcomes and that civilian casualties actually undermine the mission that the military has been sent in to do,” the senators wrote.
Houthis Continue Attacks on US Ships
Besides targeting drones, the Houthis have also launched missiles and one-way drones toward US Navy ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. None of these attacks have successfully hit their targets.
In response, the US military has deployed a powerful force of warships, fighter jets, bombers, and drones. These forces can now launch operations from two aircraft carriers in the region.
Expanded Naval Presence in the Region
In March, Defense Secretary Hegseth ordered the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman to extend its deployment. At the same time, the USS Carl Vinson was also sent to the region.
Currently, the Truman and two of its destroyers, along with a cruiser, are stationed in the Red Sea. The Vinson, with two destroyers and a cruiser, is now operating in the Gulf of Aden. Another destroyer from the Truman group is stationed in the Mediterranean Sea. Two other US Navy destroyers are also in the Red Sea but are not part of the Truman’s group.
Hegseth is now considering a request from US Central Command to keep the Truman in the region for several more weeks. However, maintaining two aircraft carriers in the Middle East is uncommon because it delays routine ship maintenance and puts extra strain on sailors.
Last year, the Biden administration kept the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Red Sea for an extended time, during one of the most intense sea battles involving US warships since World War II. Before that, the US hadn’t sent this many warships to the region in years.
Why Are the Houthis Attacking?
The Houthis say their attacks on military and commercial ships are in support of ending Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. From November 2023 to January 2024, the Houthis launched missiles and drones at over 100 merchant vessels. Two ships were sunk, and four sailors were killed. As a result, shipping traffic through the Red Sea has dropped sharply. The region usually handles about $1 trillion worth of trade every year.
