US Military Faces Losses in Yemen Operations: Seven Drones and a Warplane Downed

The US lost seven MQ-9 Reaper drones in Yemen since March 15 amidst intensified military operations against Huthi rebels, along with the recent loss of an F/A-18E warplane from the USS Harry S. Truman. The situation highlights serious operational challenges and ongoing threats to global shipping routes posed by Huthi attacks.

In a troubling development for military operations, the United States has lost an alarming seven MQ-9 Reaper drones in the Yemen region since March 15. A US official, speaking anonymously, confirmed this loss, which underscores the challenges facing the air campaign against the Huthi rebels.

Since mid-March, Washington has intensified its military efforts targeting Yemen’s Huthis, using MQ-9s for crucial reconnaissance and direct strikes. Each of these drones carries a price tag of approximately $30 million, though the causes for their losses remain unspecified.

In addition to the drone incidents, the US Navy has reported losing an F/A-18E warplane. The aircraft, which directly fell into the Red Sea from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier, was involved in an accident also injuring a sailor. A tractor towing the warplane also ended up in the sea during this mishap.

The Navy explained that control was lost during the aircraft’s movement in the hangar, prompting the loss of both the F/A-18E and the towing tractor. Although this incident marks a significant loss, the carrier continues its operations, with an investigation currently underway into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

This incident highlights a troubling trend; it is the second F/A-18 to be lost from the Truman within months. Previously, another F/A-18 was accidentally downed by friendly fire from the USS Gettysburg late last year.

While operating in the region, the USS Harry S. Truman is one of two US aircraft carriers conducting strikes against the Huthis on an almost daily basis since early March. Operations have reportedly resulted in over 800 strikes and the deaths of hundreds of Huthi fighters, according to Central Command.

The Huthis, aligned with Iran, have escalated their attacks against maritime vessels in the last year, claiming to support Palestinians amid rising tensions following a military offensive by Israel after the October Hamas attacks. These assaults threaten shipping channels, particularly near the Suez Canal, affecting global trade and forcing vessels to take longer routes, significantly increasing costs.

The Biden administration initiated strikes against the Huthis, and former President Trump had also committed to continuing military efforts until the Huthis cease being a threat to shipping operations.

The United States faces serious challenges in its military operations in Yemen, notably losing seven MQ-9 Reaper drones alongside an F/A-18E warplane in separate incidents since March. The air campaign against the Huthis has targeted hundreds of fighters, yet these costly losses in valuable equipment bring increasing concerns over operational effectiveness and safety. Meanwhile, the broader impact of Huthi attacks on maritime traffic raises alarms over global shipping routes, making this a pressing issue to monitor closely.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com