Yemen’s Houthi armed group has recently shot down seven U.S. Reaper drones, valued at more than $200 million, marking a significant loss for the U.S. in its ongoing campaign against the fighters.
The incidents occurred between March 31 and April 22, as the Houthis intensified their efforts to target U.S. aircraft operating over Yemen. Three drones were lost just last week, suggesting an improvement in the Houthis’ ability to take down high-altitude U.S. drones.
The drones, each costing around $30 million, were involved in surveillance or attack missions when they crashed into water or land. According to defense officials, the drone losses occurred on March 31, April 3, 9, 13, 18, 19, and 22, as reported by The Associated Press.
In response, U.S. forces have claimed to have struck more than 800 targets, including command centers, weapons depots, and air defenses, killing hundreds of Houthi fighters and leaders. However, these figures could not be independently verified.
Additionally, a U.S. official, speaking anonymously, stated that the drone losses are under investigation and are believed to be caused by hostile fire.
The Houthis have primarily targeted Israeli, U.S., and British ships passing through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait in protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza. The group has indicated that these attacks will cease if Israel agrees to a permanent ceasefire.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has shifted its strategy, moving from targeting only infrastructure to deliberately striking Houthi leaders. This change in approach comes amid rising civilian casualties linked to the U.S.-led campaign.
According to Airwars, a UK-based monitoring group, between 27 and 55 civilians were killed in U.S. strikes during March, with the toll in April already believed to be much higher. Full figures are still unconfirmed.
One of the deadliest strikes occurred earlier this month at the Ras Isa port in Hodeidah, where at least 80 people were killed and more than 150 others wounded. Another attack on Monday killed 12 people and wounded more than 30 in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa.
The growing civilian death toll has raised concerns in Washington. Senators Chris Van Hollen, Elizabeth Warren, and Tim Kaine have written to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, questioning whether the administration is doing enough to minimize civilian harm, especially in light of reports regarding the high civilian death toll at the Ras Isa fuel terminal.
