Washington, D.C.: The United States has suffered the loss of seven MQ-9 Reaper drones over Yemen in less than six weeks, underscoring the intensifying cost of its expanding military campaign against Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Three of those drones were reportedly downed in the past week alone, marking a sharp uptick in hostilities since President Donald Trump launched the operation on March 15.
Each MQ-9 Reaper drone, a high-altitude, long-endurance aircraft valued at approximately $30 million (€26 million), was engaged in either surveillance or strike operations when it was taken down by Houthi forces. The incidents occurred both over Yemeni territory and in surrounding maritime areas. While the Pentagon has not yet confirmed the exact cause of each downing, unnamed defense officials indicate that hostile fire is the likely reason behind the drone losses.
One official outlined the timeline of drone downings, noting incidents on March 31, and April 3, 9, 13, 18, 19, and 22 — a frequency that reflects the intensifying air campaign. Investigations into the nature of each shoot-down are ongoing.
Escalating Strikes and Strategic Objectives
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed the execution of near-daily airstrikes on Houthi-controlled positions, hitting over 800 targets to date. These include command and control centers, weapon stockpiles, and air defense systems.
“These strikes have… killed hundreds of Houthi fighters and numerous Houthi leaders,” said CENTCOM spokesperson Dave Eastburn on Thursday, framing the campaign as a significant disruption to Houthi operations.
However, the resilience of Houthi forces — and their increasing capacity to shoot down U.S. drones — raises serious questions about the long-term effectiveness of the air campaign and the sustainability of U.S. efforts in the region.
Civilian Casualties Spark Political and Ethical Concerns
Alongside the material and strategic losses, the campaign has sparked growing alarm in Washington over potential civilian casualties.
In a letter addressed to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Democratic Senators Chris Van Hollen, Elizabeth Warren, and Tim Kaine criticized the administration’s approach, questioning whether it is meeting its obligations to minimize civilian harm.
“Civilian casualties actually undermine the mission that the military has been sent in to do,” the senators wrote, pointing to reports that recent airstrikes — particularly those targeting the Ras Isa oil terminal — may have killed more than 70 civilians.
Despite the criticism, the Pentagon has shown no sign of dialing back its operations. On the contrary, the U.S. has bolstered its presence in the region with the deployment of two aircraft carrier strike groups: the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea, and the USS Carl Vinson in the Gulf of Aden. Defense Secretary Hegseth is reportedly considering extending the Truman’s deployment as part of broader efforts to maintain pressure on Houthi forces and safeguard freedom of navigation through the Red Sea — a critical global trade corridor.
Strategic Stakes: Red Sea Security and Global Trade
The Houthis have ramped up attacks on both U.S. and allied naval vessels in recent months, using drones and ballistic missiles in efforts to disrupt regional security. Although no U.S. vessels have been directly hit, the threat remains significant.
The rebel group claims its campaign is aimed at pressuring Israel to cease its ongoing military operations in Gaza. From November 2023 to January 2024, the Houthis targeted over 100 commercial vessels, sinking two and killing four sailors. These attacks severely disrupted shipping through the Red Sea, a corridor that handles roughly $1 trillion (€882 billion) in global trade annually.
As the U.S. continues its military push, both the financial toll of losing advanced drones and the diplomatic cost of civilian casualties could shape the direction of American policy in the region — and determine the future of its strategic influence in the Middle East.
