Houthi Rebels Down Seven U.S. Reaper Drones Amid Escalating Conflict in Yemen

Houthi rebels in Yemen have shot down seven U.S. Reaper drones in recent weeks, totaling over $200 million in losses. This escalation has occurred amid increased U.S. airstrikes since mid-March. Concerns are rising among U.S. senators about potential civilian casualties from these military actions, amidst ongoing Houthi missile attacks on maritime targets.

In recent weeks, Houthi rebels in Yemen have reportedly downed seven U.S. Reaper drones, totaling a staggering loss of over $200 million. This series of incidents marks a significant blow for the U.S. military amidst ongoing hostilities with the Iran-backed militants. Three of these drones went down in just the past week, indicating a sharp improvement in the Houthis’ targeting abilities. Defense officials noted that the drones were conducting strike and surveillance operations when they fell, crashing into both land and water.

The United States has escalated its military campaign against the Houthis, executing daily airstrikes since March 15 after President Donald Trump authorized an expanded initiative. The President asserted his commitment to applying “overwhelming lethal force” until Houthi aggressions, particularly against shipping routes, cease. Following this order, U.S. forces have conducted over 750 strikes against Houthi positions.

While hostile fire is believed to have downed the drones, investigations are ongoing to determine the specifics of the incidents. One defense official acknowledged that intensified U.S. strikes might heighten risks for aerial operations, but reassured that measures would be implemented to safeguard U.S. personnel and assets in the region. The Reaper drones, valued at approximately $30 million each, typically operate at elevations exceeding 40,000 feet.

Meanwhile, U.S. senators have expressed rising concerns regarding potential civilian casualties resulting from these strikes. Democratic Senators Chris Van Hollen, Elizabeth Warren, and Tim Kaine reached out to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to inquire whether the Trump administration has neglected necessary steps to mitigate civilian harm. They pointed to alarming reports indicating that U.S. strikes at the Ras Isa fuel terminal might have killed more than 70 civilians.

In addition to targeting U.S. drones, Houthis have persistently launched missiles and attack drones against U.S. military vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden—though they have not successfully struck any to date. The United States has employed a diversified fleet consisting of warships, fighter jets, bombers, and drones to confront the militant group. Aircraft are now capable of launching operations from two Navy aircraft carriers stationed in the region.

Secretary Hegseth took action to bolster naval presence in the Middle East, extending the deployment of the USS Harry S. Truman and dispatching the USS Carl Vinson toward the area. Currently, the Truman is in the Red Sea, accompanied by destroyers and a cruiser, while the Vinson operates in the Gulf of Aden.

The potential extension of the Truman’s deployment is under consideration, which would keep it and parts of its task force in the region for additional weeks. Historically, it has been unusual for the U.S. to maintain two aircraft carriers simultaneously in the Middle East, as military leaders often view this as detrimental to ship maintenance and sailor family time amidst a high-stress combat environment.

Previously, the Biden administration had requested the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower to remain in the Red Sea during one of the most intense maritime campaigns since World War II. The Houthis claim that their missile and drone strikes are aimed at disrupting the Israeli offensive against Hamas in Gaza. Between November 2023 and January of this year, they targeted numerous merchant vessels, resulting in the sinking of two ships and the deaths of four sailors, severely disrupting trade in the Red Sea corridor, a critical route for approximately $1 trillion worth of annual goods.

In summary, the recent downing of seven U.S. Reaper drones by Houthi rebels has raised serious concerns regarding military operations in Yemen. The U.S. has intensified airstrikes in response to Houthi aggression, while political officials are questioning the impact of these strikes on civilian populations. The ongoing military campaign highlights the complexities of the conflict and its implications on regional stability and trade.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk