Yemen downs seven US drones worth $200mn in six weeks
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Yemeni forces have downed seven US Reaper drones worth over $200 million in under six weeks, showcasing strengthened air defenses amid escalating US military strikes, US defense officials report.
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Drawings of drones and missiles that have been shot down are painted on the fuselage of a fighter jet stationed on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, also known as "IKE," in the Red Sea on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. (AP)
Yemeni Armed Forces have shot down seven US Reaper drones in less than six weeks, causing losses exceeding $200 million for the US amid its intensified aggression against Yemen, The Associated Press reports.
Citing defense officials, the US news agency stated on Friday that three of the drones were brought down in the past week alone, reflecting an enhanced capability by YAF to intercept unmanned aircraft flying over their territory.
The downed drones were either conducting attack operations or surveillance missions, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity. While the cause of these incidents is believed to be “hostile fire,” investigations are still underway, the report added.
These advanced drones, manufactured by General Atomics, cost approximately $30 million each and typically operate at altitudes exceeding 40,000 feet (12,100 meters).
A US defense official cautioned that the growing frequency of American strikes in Yemen could heighten the risk to military aircraft operating in the region.
This development follows the US escalation of its military campaign in Yemen, initiated after President Donald Trump ordered “decisive and powerful military action” last month. The strikes were in response to Yemen’s resumption of pro-Gaza operations.
US intensifies Yemen strikes as lawmakers question civilian killings
US fighter jets carried out heavy airstrikes on Yemen on Friday, targeting key areas in Hodeidah and Sanaa provinces. The ongoing escalation comes as US lawmakers call for accountability over rising civilian killings caused by these attacks.
The Ansar Allah media center confirmed that US warplanes struck the As-Salif district in Hodeidah province and launched additional strikes on Bani Hushaish district in Sanaa province. Kamaran Island in the strategic Hodeidah region also came under repeated aerial bombardment by US forces. These attacks follow a series of air raids in recent days on Ma’rib, Amran, and other regions, indicating a broadening of the military campaign.
According to the Yemeni Ministry of Health, US airstrikes since mid-March have killed at least 107 civilians, many of them women and children, and left 223 others injured.
The escalating attacks on densely populated areas have sparked growing alarm over the worsening humanitarian crisis, as civilian casualties mount and critical infrastructure is further destroyed.
