Since the Trump administration launched the campaign on 15 March, the US has struck more than 800 Houthi targets — but senators are raising
Since the Trump administration launched the campaign on 15 March, the US has struck more than 800 Houthi targets — but senators are raising concerns about civilian casualties. The US has lost seven MQ-9 Reaper drones over Yemen in under six weeks, it has emerged, with three reportedly shot down in the past week as Washington escalates its military campaign against Iran-aligned Houthi rebels. The high-altitude, long-endurance aircraft — each costing around $30 million (€26 million) — have been downed in a costly offensive launched by President Donald Trump on 15 March. According to unnamed defence officials, the drones were involved in both strike and surveillance missions when they were shot down by the Houthis, with the losses occurring both over land and at sea. According to one official, hostile fire is likely the cause, though investigations are ongoing. The US has conducted near-daily airstrikes on Houthi positions, with Central Command confirming that over 800 targets have been hit, including command centres, weapons storage facilities and air defence systems. “These strikes have… killed hundreds of Houthi fighters and numerous Houthi leaders,” said Central Command spokesperson Dave Eastburn on Thursday. The attacks by the Houthis underscore their growing ability to strike advanced US platforms. One defence official confirmed that drone losses occurred on 31 March and on 3, 9, 13, 18, 19 and 22 April.
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