Yemeni Forces Claim Downing Seven US Reaper Drones in Six Weeks, Report Says
Yemeni forces have reportedly shot down seven US-made MQ-9 Reaper drones in the past six weeks, according to a report by The Associated Press citing US defense officials. This alleged feat would represent a significant loss of over $200 million for the United States and suggests an increasing capability of the Yemeni forces to target sophisticated aerial assets.
The US news agency reported on Friday that three of the seven drones were downed within the last week alone, indicating a potential escalation in the effectiveness of Yemeni air defenses. The unnamed US defense officials stated that the drones were engaged in either attack missions or reconnaissance operations over Yemen.
While the exact cause of the drone losses is still under investigation, the officials acknowledged that “hostile fire” is the likely explanation. This implies that the Yemeni forces, which include the Houthi movement, possess and are effectively deploying the means to target and bring down these advanced unmanned aerial vehicles.
The MQ-9 Reaper is a high-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft capable of conducting both surveillance and precision strike missions. Its loss represents not only a financial setback but also a potential degradation of US intelligence-gathering and operational capabilities in the region.
The reported downing of these drones comes amidst what the AP describes as an increase in US aggression against Yemen. The nature and specifics of this increased aggression were not detailed in the report, but it suggests a potential link between intensified US operations and the Yemeni forces’ counter-measures.
The sophisticated drones, built by General Atomics, cost about $30 million each, and generally fly at altitudes of more than 40,000 feet (12,100 meters).
A defense official warned that the increase in US strikes could add to the risk to aircraft.
This comes as the US has intensified its strikes on Yemen since President Donald Trump ordered a “decisive and powerful military action” against Yemen, which had resumed pro-Gaza operations, last month.
