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Houthi Rebels Down Seven U.S. Drones, Stalling Key Phase of Yemen Campaign

The loss of $200 million in drones has hindered U.S. efforts to target senior Houthi leaders, raising questions about the campaign's effectiveness and cost.

Yemenis watch a damaged vehicle at Farwah popular market which Houthis said it was struck by US airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen, on April 21.
Houthi supporters chant slogans during a weekly, anti-US and anti-Israel rally in Sanaa, Yemen, on April 18.
Houthi supporters participate in a funeral procession for Osama Al-rumeitha, a Houthi officer, who was reportedly killed in a recent U.S. airstrike, in Sanaa, Yemen, Monday, March 24, 2025.
This photograph released by the US Navy shows a MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter hovering over the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier while operating in the Middle East on April 12.

Overview

  • Houthi rebels have shot down seven MQ-9 Reaper drones since late March, costing the U.S. over $200 million in equipment losses.
  • The drone losses are delaying the U.S. military's planned shift to targeting senior Houthi leadership in Yemen's expanded aerial campaign.
  • U.S. forces have launched more than 750 strikes and hit over 700 Houthi targets since March 15, but intelligence suggests limited impact on Houthi missile and drone capabilities.
  • The campaign's costs, nearing $1 billion within weeks, and extended carrier deployments are straining U.S. military resources and readiness for other global priorities.
  • Concerns over civilian casualties and the campaign's humanitarian impact have been raised by U.S. senators, including reports of potential civilian deaths at a fuel terminal strike.