Houthis down seven US drones in Yemen over six weeks: Pentagon officials

The Houthi group in Yemen has shot down seven American drones over the past six weeks, according to US Department of Defense officials quoted by the Associated Press on Friday. The total estimated cost of the drones is around $200 million.

Three of the drones were reportedly brought down just last week—a development that Pentagon officials say reflects a significant leap in the Houthis' capabilities to target and strike US unmanned aerial vehicles over Yemeni territory.

The officials cited improved targeting accuracy and more effective use of air defense systems as signs of the group's growing technical proficiency.

These developments come amid rising tensions in the region, with increased military activity in the Red Sea and around Yemen. International observers have warned that the conflict could further escalate and spread.