In just six weeks, Houthi rebels in Yemen have successfully shot down seven advanced US Reaper drones, causing a massive loss to the Pentagon, estimated at over $200 million (NZ$334 million). These drones were an important part of the US military’s operations in the region, primarily used for surveillance and attack missions.
The loss of these high-tech drones is becoming one of the most significant costs in the ongoing military campaign against the Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran.
The recent downing of these drones suggests that the Houthi forces have improved their ability to target and destroy unmanned aircraft, which were flying high above Yemen. The US drones typically fly at an altitude of over 12,000 meters, well above most types of weapons. However, the Houthis have found ways to hit them.
Most of the drones crashed either into the water or onto land after being hit by missiles or other types of hostile fire. Three of the seven drones were shot down in the past week, indicating an increasing level of threat to US military operations in the region.
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US Airstrikes Intensify, Risk to Aircraft Increases
The US military’s operations in Yemen have intensified in recent months. In March 2025, the United States began launching daily airstrikes against the Houthis, following an order from the US government to expand military efforts in the region.
The aim is to stop the Houthis from attacking ships in the Red Sea, a vital maritime corridor. These US airstrikes, which have exceeded 750 in number, target Houthi military positions and other assets that threaten US interests. However, the increased number of airstrikes also increases the risk to the drones and other military assets operating in the region.
Despite the losses, US officials have emphasized that every effort is being made to protect American troops and equipment. While it is widely believed that the drone crashes are due to hostile fire from the Houthis, the military is still investigating the causes of these incidents. The drones are worth approximately $30 million each, and each loss represents not just a blow to the US military’s resources, but also a setback in the larger campaign against the Houthi rebels.
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Houthi Rebels Make Public Claims and Increase Attacks
The Houthis have taken advantage of the success in shooting down the US drones by publicly boasting about their actions. This has raised tensions even further in a region already strained by multiple military operations. These attacks are part of a larger ongoing conflict, where the Houthis have also been targeting US military ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden with missiles and one-way attack drones. Although none of these attacks have successfully hit a US ship, the continuous threats to shipping lanes have further complicated the situation.
The US military is deploying a variety of advanced weaponry to counter these attacks, including warships, fighter jets, bombers, and drones. US Navy aircraft now launch from two carriers stationed in the region: the USS Harry S. Truman and the USS Carl Vinson. The Truman is currently operating in the Red Sea, while the Vinson is in the Gulf of Aden. These military assets are crucial in maintaining US control and presence in the region.
Increased Targeting of Commercial Ships and Global Trade Disruption
In addition to the military aircraft and ships, the US has also increased the presence of warships in the Middle East, with the USS Harry S. Truman and its accompanying strike group extending their deployments.
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This has made it rare to have two US aircraft carriers in the region at the same time, which is a sign of the increasing intensity of the US military’s commitment to the area. However, this also creates additional strain on ship maintenance schedules and sailors who are already working under intense conditions.
As the conflict continues, the Houthis have also been targeting commercial ships, adding to the difficulties faced by international trade. Since November 2023, more than 100 commercial vessels have been attacked by the Houthis, with two ships being sunk and several sailors killed. These attacks have had a significant impact on global trade, especially in the Red Sea region, which sees trillions of dollars worth of goods pass through every year.