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Houthi rebels shoot down seven US Reaper drones worth $200 million
Yemen's Houthi tribesmen gathered, on February 4, to show defiance following US and UK air strikes on Houthi positions near Sanaa. PHOTO:REUTERS
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Houthi rebels in Yemen have shot down seven US Reaper drones in under six weeks, US defense officials confirmed, marking one of the costliest losses in Washington's ongoing campaign against the Iran-backed group.
The drones, each worth approximately $30 million, amount to over $200 million in damages, highlighting the growing intensity and cost of the conflict.
Three of the drones were reportedly brought down in the past week alone, suggesting improved targeting capabilities by the Houthis.
The unmanned aircraft were conducting surveillance and attack operations over Yemeni territory, with some crashing into the sea and others onto land.
Since March 15, the US has launched daily strikes under an expanded directive from President Donald Trump, aiming to suppress Houthi missile and drone threats to maritime trade in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
US Central Command reports that over 800 Houthi targets have been hit, including weapons depots, command centers, and drone launch sites.
Despite the air campaign, the Houthis have continued missile and drone attacks against both military and commercial vessels.
Though no US Navy ships have been hit, the persistent threat has drawn renewed American naval deployments, including two aircraft carrier groups: the USS Harry S. Truman and the USS Carl Vinson.
Meanwhile, US senators have raised concerns about possible civilian casualties, particularly following a strike at the Ras Isa fuel terminal that may have killed over 70 people.
In a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, lawmakers urged greater accountability and civilian harm mitigation.
The Reaper drones, built by General Atomics, typically operate at altitudes above 40,000 feet and play a critical role in US surveillance and strike capabilities.
Officials continue to investigate the drone losses while reiterating Washington's commitment to protecting regional interests and international shipping.
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