Houthi Forces Down 7 US Drones Worth $200M

WASHINGTON — Over the last month and a half, the Houthi rebels in Yemen have successfully downed seven U.S. Reaper drones, leading to a damaging financial setback for the Pentagon amounting to over $200 million. These losses mark a significant blow to the U.S. military campaign against the Iran-supported Houthis.
A surge in the downing incidents has been noted, with three aircraft going down just within the past week, indicating improved targeting abilities of the Houthi forces. These unmanned drones were engaged in surveillance and attack missions over Yemen, crashing into both land and sea, as reported by anonymous defense officials.
The United States has intensified its offensive strategies against the Houthis, with daily strikes commencing on March 15, as per President Donald Trump’s directive to broaden military efforts. Trump vowed to apply “overwhelming lethal force” in response to the Houthis’ attacks on a crucial maritime channel.
Central Command spokesperson Dave Eastburn revealed that more than 800 Houthi targets have been engaged. He outlined the destruction of key command facilities, air defense systems, and weapon manufacturing and storage sites, which have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Houthi fighters and leaders.
A defense official, speaking anonymously, suggested that while hostile fire is likely the cause of the drone losses, investigations are ongoing. They emphasized that the heightened U.S. operations could elevate the risk to aircraft but assured that measures are taken to shield troops and equipment.
The drones, manufactured by General Atomics, are priced at around $30 million each and are typically operational at altitudes above 40,000 feet. Houthi leaders have consistently publicized their successful strikes against these drones. According to insiders, Reaper drones were lost on March 31 and subsequently on several dates in April.
In tandem, several U.S. senators have expressed unease over possible civilian casualties stemming from U.S. airstrikes in Yemen. Democratic Senators Chris Van Hollen, Elizabeth Warren, and Tim Kaine have penned a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, questioning whether the Trump administration is neglecting the protocols needed to minimize civilian harm.
The senators specifically referenced reports of a U.S. strike at Yemen’s Ras Isa fuel terminal, which might have resulted in over 70 civilian deaths. They stressed that implementing civilian harm mitigation practices could lead to better outcomes and that civilian casualties undermine military objectives.
Besides downing U.S. drones, the Houthis have been launching missiles and drones at American naval vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, though without any direct hits so far.
The U.S. military has deployed a range of assets, including warships, fighter jets, and bombers, to thwart the Houthi actions, with current air operations supported by two Navy aircraft carriers stationed in the area.
In March, Secretary Hegseth bolstered the Navy’s presence in the Middle East, extending the deployment of the USS Harry S. Truman as the USS Carl Vinson made its way to the region. The Truman is currently operating in the Red Sea with its strike group, whereas the Vinson is positioned in the Gulf of Aden.
Further, Hegseth is contemplating granting a U.S. Central Command request to further extend the Truman’s assignment, which could mean a prolonged presence in the area. It is uncommon for the U.S. to station two carriers simultaneously in the Middle East due to maintenance and crew home-time considerations.
Last year saw extended deployment of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Red Sea in response to escalating maritime threats, marking the most intense sea battle since World War II.
The Houthis have persistently launched missile and drone attacks on commercial and military sea vessels as part of an effort to stop the Israeli conflict with Hamas in Gaza. These actions have significantly decreased the maritime trade flow through the Red Sea, a route critical for transporting roughly $1 trillion in goods annually, causing notable economic disruption with two merchant vessels sunk and several casualties.