The Houthis in Yemen have destroyed seven US Reaper drones in less than six weeks, costing the Pentagon more than $200m (£150m) in losses, the biggest single loss in the military operation against the Iranian-backed militants.
Three drones have been shot down in the past week, Defense Ministry officials said, indicating militants have become more effective in attacking drones flying over Yemen.
Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations, said the drones were either attacking or conducting surveillance missions, and they crashed into both water and land.
The United States has stepped up its attacks on the Houthis, launching daily strikes since March 15, when US President Donald Trump ordered a new, expanded campaign.
He vowed to use “overwhelming lethal force” until the Houthis stopped attacks on shipping along the vital sea corridor.
US Central Command (CentCom) spokesman Dave Eastburn said on Thursday evening that the United States had struck more than 800 Houthi targets.
“These attacks destroyed numerous command posts, air defence systems, sophisticated weapons manufacturing facilities, sophisticated weapons storage facilities and killed hundreds of Houthi fighters and many of their leaders,” Mr Eastburn said.
Another defense official added that while the drone losses were likely due to enemy fire, all incidents were under investigation.
The official noted that an increase in the number of US attacks could increase the risks to aviation, but assured that the US would take all necessary measures to protect its troops, equipment and interests in the region.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military matters.
Each high-tech drone, made by General Atomics, costs around $30 million (£22 million) and typically flies at altitudes of more than 12,100 metres.
Houthi leaders regularly highlight their attacks in public statements.
A Defense Department official said the U.S. lost Reaper drones on March 31, as well as April 3, 9, 13, 18, 19 and 22.
At the same time, US senators are expressing concern about civilian casualties as a result of American attacks in Yemen.
Democratic Sens. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Tim Kaine of Virginia
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
