Houthi rebels have downed seven U.S. Reaper drones in recent weeks, costing the Pentagon over $200 million. The U.S. has increased military strikes against the Houthis, raising concerns about civilian casualties and operational risks. Senators have expressed alarm over these developments, while the U.S. enhances its military presence in the region amidst ongoing tensions and hostilities.
In a significant development, Houthi rebels in Yemen have successfully shot down seven U.S. Reaper drones over recent weeks, resulting in a staggering loss exceeding $200 million for the Pentagon. This alarming trend, marking a notable increase in the militants’ capabilities, indicates that their targeting accuracy against these unmanned aircraft had likely improved, as evidenced by three drones downed just last week alone.
Defense officials, who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive military operations, noted that the drones were engaged in either attack runs or surveillance missions, with some crashing into both land and water. The consistent assaults on U.S. aircraft contribute to ongoing investigations surrounding the incidents, though it is acknowledged hostile fire seems responsible for these losses.
The U.S., amid escalating tensions, has escalated its military campaign against the Houthis, conducting daily airstrikes since March 15 at the directive of President Donald Trump, who aims to deter the group’s assaults on crucial maritime routes. Since the initiation of this expanded campaign, over 750 strikes have been carried out.
Concerns are now emerging from within U.S. Senate circles regarding potential civilian casualties stemming from these military operations. Senators Chris Van Hollen, Elizabeth Warren, and Tim Kaine have raised alarms after reports suggested that a recent strike on the Ras Isa fuel terminal might have claimed more than 70 civilian lives. They underscored the importance of minimizing civilian harm in military practices, emphasizing that such casualties could undermine the overarching mission of U.S. forces.
Besides targeting drones, the Houthis have launched numerous missile and one-way drone attacks against U.S. military vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, although thus far, they have not achieved any successful strikes.
In response, a robust U.S. military presence has been established, consisting of warships, fighter jets, bombers, and Reaper drones, with aircraft now launching from two Navy carriers stationed in the region. The USS Harry S. Truman’s mission has been extended due to these tensions, while the USS Carl Vinson is en route to reinforce the group.
Accusations of prolonged deployments have been a topic of contention, as Navy officials generally prefer not to have two aircraft carriers in the Middle East simultaneously due to the disruptions it causes to maintenance schedules and the sailors’ time at home. However, last year, the Biden administration opted to maintain a significant naval presence in the Red Sea, shaped by the intensity of prior maritime operations.
For the Houthis, these drone and missile strategies are part of a broader campaign they claim aims to pressure Israel over its actions in Gaza. The group’s aggressive posture has already led to the sinking of two merchant ships and the tragic loss of four sailors, severely affecting trade in the Red Sea, a vital artery for global commerce that sees the movement of approximately $1 trillion in goods annually.
The recent downing of seven U.S. Reaper drones by Houthi rebels highlights a troubling escalation in the military conflict in Yemen, reflecting both increased militant capabilities and significant operational costs for the U.S. military. Concurrently, rising concerns from U.S. senators regarding civilian casualties indicate growing scrutiny over the military strategy being employed in the region. As tensions remain high, the U.S. has bolstered its naval presence while the Houthis continue to assert their influence through aggressive missile and drone attacks.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
