Houthi rebels in Yemen have shot down seven US Reaper drones in under six weeks. As a result, the US military has lost over $200 million in equipment. This stands out as the costliest setback in Washington’s fight against the Iran-backed group.

Rebels Sharpen Targeting Skills

According to US defense officials, the Houthis brought down three drones just last week. Therefore, it seems their ability to hit US drones has improved. These drones were either carrying out strikes or doing surveillance. Consequently, they crashed into land or sea. The officials revealed this while staying anonymous due to security concerns.

US Responds With Daily Strikes

In response, the US has increased its attacks. Since March 15, President Donald Trump has ordered daily airstrikes. He pledged to use “overwhelming lethal force” until the Houthis stop attacking ships in the busy maritime route.

So far, the US has launched over 750 strikes under this new campaign.

Investigations Still Ongoing

Meanwhile, another defense official confirmed that hostile fire likely brought down the drones. However, each case is still under investigation. The official admitted that more US strikes mean more risk. Nevertheless, he assured that the US will take all possible steps to protect its troops and equipment.

Each Reaper drone costs around $30 million and flies at altitudes above 12,100 meters. Built by General Atomics, these drones are highly advanced. The Houthis, in turn, have celebrated the downings in their public remarks.

In fact, a defense official listed the drone losses on March 31 and April 3, 9, 13, 18, 19, and 22.

US Lawmakers Question Civilian Impact

At the same time, some US senators are worried about civilian deaths. On Thursday, Senators Chris Van Hollen, Elizabeth Warren, and Tim Kaine wrote to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. They asked if the Trump administration is “abandoning the measures necessary to meet its obligations to reducing civilian harm.”

Specifically, they pointed to a US strike last week at Yemen’s Ras Isa fuel terminal, which may have killed over 70 civilians.

Their letter stated, “Military leaders agree that ingraining civilian harm mitigation practices within US operations leads to better outcomes and that civilian casualties actually undermine the mission that the military has been sent in to do.”

Houthis Continue to Attack US Ships

In addition to downing drones, the Houthis have been firing missiles and attack drones at US warships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. However, none of these attacks have hit any American vessels.

US Strengthens Military Presence

To counter the threat, the US has deployed warships, drones, bombers, and fighter jets. Now, aircraft from two US aircraft carriers are taking part in the campaign.

In March, Defense Secretary Hegseth extended the deployment of the USS Harry S. Truman. Simultaneously, he sent the USS Carl Vinson to the region. Currently, the Truman, two destroyers, and a cruiser are in the Red Sea. Meanwhile, the Vinson and its warships are in the Gulf of Aden. One more destroyer from the Truman group is stationed in the Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, two other destroyers not part of any group are also in the Red Sea.

Hegseth is now considering another extension of the Truman's mission. If approved, the carrier and its ships may stay for several more weeks.

Dual Carrier Presence Rare in Region

Normally, the US does not deploy two aircraft carriers to the Middle East. Navy leaders often oppose this move. It disrupts maintenance schedules and limits sailors’ time at home.

However, last year, the Biden administration had kept the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Red Sea for an extended period. That marked one of the most intense naval campaigns since World War II.

Houthi Attacks Disrupt Trade

Since November 2023, the Houthis have struck over 100 commercial ships using drones and missiles. They claim these actions protest Israel’s war in Gaza. So far, they have sunk two ships and killed four sailors. As a result, trade in the Red Sea has dropped. Typically, over $1 trillion in goods moves through this route each year.