Over the past six weeks, Houthi forces in Yemen have shot down at least seven American drones, including the high-cost MQ9 Reapers, US officials confirmed to CNN. This has delayed the US military’s goal of establishing air superiority over Yemen within 30 days.
The drone losses have complicated the US effort to move forward with “phase two” of its military operation, according to US officials.
In addition to shooting down drones, the Houthis have launched 77 one-way attack drones, 30 cruise missiles, 24 medium-range ballistic missiles, and 23 surface-to-air missiles targeting US forces, the Red Sea, and Israel.
The financial cost of the ongoing US military campaign has surged, reaching nearly $1 billion in just the first three weeks, CNN reported.
Despite these setbacks and costs, the US has maintained daily airstrikes on Houthi targets for over a month. Since March 15, the US has conducted more than 1,200 airstrikes in Yemen. According to Houthi sources, which exclude casualties among their forces, these strikes have resulted in the deaths of over 217 civilians and injuries to more than 430 people, mostly women and children.
In response to Houthi actions, US President Donald Trump ordered a “decisive and powerful military action” against the group last month, threatening to “completely annihilate” them.
The Houthis began targeting ships in the region’s waterways in November 2023, expressing support for Palestinians in Gaza, where ongoing Israeli attacks have killed nearly 51,500 people.
While the Houthis paused attacks during a January ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, they resumed operations after Israel restarted airstrikes on Gaza last month.
