Since March 15, the US has lost seven MQ-9 Reaper drones in Yemen, coinciding with intensified military action against Huthi rebels. An F/A-18E also fell off the USS Harry S. Truman during towing operations. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges faced by US forces in the region amid rising tensions and attacks on shipping routes.
The United States has reported the loss of seven MQ-9 Reaper drones in the Yemen area since mid-March, according to a US official who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The MQ-9s, valued at approximately $30 million each, are primarily utilized for reconnaissance and strikes, helping to track and target weaponry used by the Huthi rebels, who have been increasingly active in the region. The drones were lost amid recent military operations, which intensified after the US began an air campaign against the Huthis in March.
In another incident, the US Navy confirmed the loss of an F/A-18E warplane from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, which fell into the Red Sea during a towing operation. The Navy explained that a crew lost control of the plane, leading to its escape overboard. This incident also entailed the loss of a tractor that was towing the aircraft. Even though the mishap injured one sailor, operations aboard the carrier continue and an investigation is currently underway.
This incident marks the second F/A-18 to be lost while operating from the Truman within the past six months, the prior loss being a case where a different F/A-18 was mistakenly shot down by a guided missile cruiser. Currently, the Truman is one of two US aircraft carriers active in the Middle East, where they have been striking Huthi targets almost daily since mid-March.
US Central Command has indicated that over 800 targets have been struck during these operations, resulting in significant casualties among Huthi fighters, including leaders of the group. The heightened military engagement stems from the Huthis’ increased assaults on shipping routes, which they claim was in solidarity with Palestinians affected by ongoing conflicts, particularly following the military actions by Israel in late 2023.
These attacks pose a serious threat to shipping through the Suez Canal, a critical trade route for approximately 12 percent of global shipping traffic. As a consequence, shipping companies have faced substantial costs, diverting vessels around Africa’s southern tip to avoid these hazards. The US military actions against the Huthis began under President Biden, and similar commitments to counter the threats posed by the rebels have been echoed by previous administrations, including that of former President Donald Trump.
In summary, the US is actively engaged in military operations against the Huthis in Yemen, as evidenced by the reported losses of drones and the F/A-18E. With an increased military response since mid-March, the US continues to strike targets associated with the Iran-backed group to prevent further threats to shipping routes. This ongoing situation has raised concerns over maritime security and the implications for trade in the region.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
