Reports indicate a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone crashed into the waters near Yemen this week, with suspicions that it may have been brought down by Houthi rebels. The incident is currently under investigation.
Notably, this marks the third MQ-9 drone lost to the Iran-backed Houthis, following previous incidents in November and February. Each drone carries an estimated price tag of around $30 million, as detailed by the Congressional Research Service.
These drones were deployed by the U.S. military to support defense efforts for both commercial and military vessels facing persistent threats from the Houthis along the Yemeni coast.
Since the commencement of Israel's conflict with Hamas, the Houthis have reportedly targeted over 100 ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. While the group claims these actions are in response to Israel's actions and U.S. backing of Israel, American officials highlight that many of the attacked vessels have no ties to Israel.
Joint airstrikes have been carried out by the U.S and the United Kingdom, along with support from other nations, to eliminate Houthi capabilities in Yemen. These airstrikes have been conducted over four rounds to weaken the Houthi forces. Additionally, the U.S. military is actively engaging in self-defense strikes against Houthi missiles and drones whenever there is an indication of an impending attack by the Houthis.
To further safeguard against Houthi threats, the U.S. initiated a defensive maritime operation known as Operation Prosperity Guardian. This operation involves collaboration with more than 20 partner countries to protect commercial ships from potential Houthi attacks.
While the frequency of attacks has decreased in recent weeks, Houthi assaults are still ongoing. A recent incident involved the launch of an anti-ship ballistic missile by the Houthis into the Gulf of Aden. Fortunately, the attack did not result in any injuries or damage, as confirmed by U.S. Central Command in a statement.
Sabrina Singh, the Pentagon deputy press secretary, emphasized the commitment of the U.S. to safeguard commercial shipping routes in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. She reiterated the dedication to protecting both commercial vessels and U.S. forces from Houthi threats.
