Houthis shot down at least 7 multi-million-dollar US drones over 6 weeks: Report

Houthi forces in Yemen have shot down at least seven multi-million-dollar US drones, over the past six weeks, hindering US military operations in the region, CNN reported, citing multiple US officials.

The loss of the high-value drones, including MQ-9 Reapers, has prevented US forces from establishing air superiority over Yemen within the intended 30-day timeframe, officials told CNN. The setback has delayed Washington’s efforts to move into the next phase of its military campaign.

In the same period, Houthi forces have launched 77 one-way attack drones, 30 cruise missiles, 24 medium-range ballistic missiles, and 23 surface-to-air missiles targeting US forces, the Red Sea, and 'Israel', according to US officials.

The financial burden of the campaign continues to climb, with costs reaching nearly USD 1 billion in just the first three weeks, CNN said.

Despite the growing expense, US forces have carried out daily airstrikes against Houthi targets for over a month. Since March 15, the U.S. has conducted more than 1,200 airstrikes across Yemen. Houthi sources report that these strikes have killed more than 217 civilians and injured over 430, mostly women and children, excluding casualties among their fighters.

Last month, President Donald Trump ordered a "decisive and powerful military action" against the Houthis, threatening to "completely annihilate" the group.

The Houthis began attacking vessels in regional waterways in November 2023, declaring support for Palestinians in Gaza, where nearly 51,500 people have been killed in 'Israeli' attacks. Although the group briefly paused operations during a January ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, they resumed strikes after 'Israel' renewed its military campaign on Gaza last month.