Yemen's Houthis Down $200M in US Drones Over 6 Weeks in Yemen
Significant Drone Losses in Yemen
Yemen’s Houthi armed group has shot down seven US Reaper drones, valued at over $200 million, in a span of less than six weeks, marking a substantial setback for the US military’s campaign against the Iran-backed militants.
The drones, each costing approximately $30 million, were destroyed between March 31 and April 22, with three losses occurring in the past week alone, according to defense officials.
The incidents, which took place during surveillance or attack missions, saw drones crashing into water or land on March 31, April 3, 9, 13, 18, 19, and 22, as reported by The Associated Press.
A US defense official, speaking anonymously, indicated that the drone losses are under investigation but are likely due to anti-aircraft fire.
The Houthis’ improved ability to target high-altitude aircraft, which typically operate above 40,000 feet, has raised concerns about the vulnerability of U.S. assets in the region.
Central Command spokesperson Dave Eastburn stated:
Our airstrikes have destroyed multiple command-and-control facilities, air defense systems, advanced weapons manufacturing facilities, advanced weapons storage locations, and killed hundreds of Houthi fighters and numerous Houthi leaders.
Dave Eastburn.
These claims remain unverified.
Escalating Civilian Toll
The US campaign, intensified under President Donald Trump’s orders for daily strikes since March 15, has targeted over 800 Houthi sites, including alleged command centers and weapons depots.
However, the strikes have also led to significant civilian casualties, drawing scrutiny from lawmakers and monitoring groups.
Airwars, a UK-based organization, estimates that 27 to 55 civilians were killed in US strikes in March, with April’s toll likely higher.
A notable strike on the Ras Isa port in Hodeidah killed at least 80 people and injured over 150, while another attack in Sanaa on Monday claimed 12 lives and wounded more than 30.
US Senators Chris Van Hollen, Elizabeth Warren, and Tim Kaine expressed concerns in a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, stating, “Military leaders agree that ingraining civilian harm mitigation practices within U.S operations leads to better outcomes and that civilian casualties actually undermine the mission that the military has been sent in to do.”
The lawmakers questioned whether the administration is neglecting its responsibility to minimize civilian harm, particularly following reports of high casualties at Ras Isa.
Houthi Maritime Attacks Persist
The Houthis have continued their campaign against US, Israeli, and British ships in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, citing Israel’s war on Gaza as their motivation.
The group has vowed to halt attacks if Israel agrees to a permanent ceasefire.
Despite firing missiles and drones at US military vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, no U.S. ships have been hit yet.
To counter the threat, the US has deployed two aircraft carriers, the USS Harry S. Truman and USS Carl Vinson, along with supporting warships, to the region.
Growing Strategic Concerns
The loss of sophisticated Reaper drones and the rising civilian death toll have intensified debates in Washington about the efficacy and morality of the U.S. campaign.
As the Houthis demonstrate increased capability to challenge U.S. air operations, questions mount over whether the Trump administration’s aggressive strategy will achieve its objectives or further destabilize Yemen.