A U.S. military official reported that the United States has lost three MQ-9 Reaper drones near Yemen since last November. The official confirmed to CBS that the most recent drone crashed near the Yemeni coast on Friday, and an investigation into the crash is ongoing.
The Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed responsibility for downing the American drone. Previously, the Houthis had downed two other drones, one in November last year and another in February. Each drone is valued at approximately $30 million.
These drones were part of “Operation Prosperity Guard,” launched by the U.S. Armed Forces in cooperation with allies in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb area, following Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea as a show of solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza since last November.
Since the outbreak of the Gaza war on October 7, 2023, Houthi rebels in Yemen have intensified their attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. These attacks are part of a broader regional response to the conflict in Gaza, with the Houthis claiming solidarity with Hamas. This escalation has included missile and drone strikes against merchant vessels and naval ships, significantly disrupting international shipping routes. The Houthis have targeted vessels they associate with Israel, the United States, and other Western nations, though many attacks have affected a broader range of international shipping indiscriminately.
The Red Sea, a crucial global trade route, particularly near the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, has seen increased military activity and security measures in response. The United States, along with other nations, has formed a multinational maritime task force to secure the area and counteract the threat posed by the Houthi attacks. These measures have been essential in attempting to stabilize the region, but the threat to global trade remains significant, with many ships forced to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, significantly increasing transit times and costs.
The international community, including the United Nations Security Council, has condemned these attacks, calling for an immediate cessation and stressing the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation according to international law.
