Since mid-March, the U.S. has lost seven MQ-9 Reaper drones in Yemen and faced another loss with an F/A-18E warplane falling into the Red Sea from an aircraft carrier. These incidents underscore ongoing military operations against the Huthi rebels amidst significant regional tensions affecting international shipping.
Washington has confirmed the loss of seven MQ-9 Reaper drones in the Yemen area since March 15. This news comes on the heels of a recent incident where a U.S. Navy F/A-18E warplane fell off the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier into the Red Sea. The Navy’s announcement has raised concerns due to the costly nature of these military assets, with each drone valued at approximately $30 million.
The campaign against Yemen’s Huthi rebels intensified in mid-March, with these drones being integral for reconnaissance and strikes against the group, known for attacking shipping routes. A U.S. official disclosed, “There have been seven MQ-9s that have gone down since March 15,” but information regarding the specific causes of these losses remains unclear.
In the recent incident involving the F/A-18E, the Navy stated that a tractor towing the aircraft also fell into the sea. Details about the incident indicated that the aircraft was being moved when the crew lost control. “The F/A-18E was actively under tow in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft and tow tractor were lost overboard,” the Navy reported. One sailor was injured, but the carrier continues operations as investigations proceed.
This event marks the second loss of an F/A-18E in mere months; another was accidentally shot down by the USS Gettysburg guided missile cruiser late last year. With the Truman operating alongside another U.S. carrier in the region, military strikes against the Huthis have reportedly exceeded 800 targets, resulting in the deaths of numerous fighters, including leadership.
Huthi militants began to interfere with international shipping in late 2023, apparently in support of Palestinians during the ongoing blockade by Israel. Their actions have caused significant disruptions, particularly affecting transit through the Suez Canal, a critical juncture for 12 percent of global shipping traffic. As these tensions escalate, it seems unlikely that military actions against the organization will wane any time soon, with rhetoric from previous administrations indicating a resolute position against the Huthis’ activities.
This ongoing military operation highlights the complexities of U.S. military involvement in the Middle East, and as challenges multiply, losses like these drones and aircraft put a spotlight on the risks faced by military personnel and their assets in volatile regions. The Navy’s exploration into the causes behind these losses will be pivotal as the U.S. navigates its strategic approach in the region.
In summary, the U.S. military has lost seven MQ-9 Reaper drones since March 15 while conducting operations against Yemen’s Huthi rebels amid an escalating conflict. The Navy also reported an F/A-18E aircraft accident that resulted in additional losses. As military actions continue, particularly against Huthi forces disrupting vital shipping routes, it remains evident that this situation poses ongoing challenges and risks for U.S. operations in the Middle East.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
