Houthis shot down 7 US Reaper drones
WASHINGTON—Houthi rebels in Yemen have shot down seven US Reaper drones in six weeks, a loss of aircraft worth more than $200 million in the military campaign against the Iran-backed militants.
According to defense officials, three of the drones were shot down in the past week—suggesting the militants’ targeting of the unmanned aircraft flying over Yemen has improved.
The drones were doing attack runs or conducting surveillance, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The United States has increased its attacks on the Houthis, launching daily strikes since March 15, when President Donald Trump ordered a new, expanded campaign.
He promised to use “overwhelming lethal force” until the Houthis cease their attacks on shipping along a vital maritime corridor.
Central Command spokesman Dave Eastburn said Thursday night that the United States has struck more than 800 Houthi targets.
“These strikes 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,” Eastburn said.
Under investigation
Another defense official said that although hostile fire is likely the cause of the drone losses, the incidents are still under investigation.
The official noted that the increase in US strikes can add to the risk to aircraft, but said the United States will take every measure possible to protect troops, equipment and interests in the region.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity to comment on sensitive military issues.
The sophisticated drones, built by General Atomics, cost about $30 million each, and generally fly at altitudes of more than 12,100 meters.
Houthi leaders have consistently touted the strikes in public statements. One of the defense officials said the United States lost Reaper drones on March 31 and on April 3, 9, 13, 18, 19 and 22.
In addition to downing the drones, the Houthis have been persistently firing missiles and one-way attack drones at US military ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. They haven’t hit any.
