US Military Faces Equipment Losses Amid Ongoing Strikes in Yemen
Since March 15, the US has lost seven MQ-9 Reaper drones in Yemen and an F/A-18E warplane off the USS Harry S. Truman. The US has intensified strikes against Huthi rebels in response to their attacks on shipping routes, impacting global trade. The military continues to face challenges, with significant costs associated with equipment losses and ongoing investigations.
In a troubling development for the United States military, seven MQ-9 Reaper drones have been lost in Yemen since mid-March, as reported by a US official on Monday. This loss occurred alongside the announcement of another costly piece of equipment falling off the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier into the Red Sea. The drone’s dual purpose allows for both reconnaissance and attack capabilities, critical in the fight against Yemen’s Huthi rebels, who have targeted shipping routes in the region.
The US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, did not elaborate on the specifics surrounding the losses of the MQ-9 drones, which are valued at approximately $30 million each. In an unfortunate incident, the Navy revealed that an F/A-18E warplane fell off the carrier due to a mishap during towing, injuring one sailor in the process. The aircraft, worth more than $67 million, along with a tow tractor, plummeted into the sea.
The Navy confirmed that the carrier and its operational aircraft remain active, emphasizing that an investigation into the incident is ongoing. Adding to the grim tally, this incident marks the second F/A-18E lost from the USS Truman in less than six months, following a previous aircraft shot down by the USS Gettysburg in 2022, where both pilots fortunately survived.
The USS Truman is currently one of two US aircraft carriers deployed in the Middle East, carrying out near-daily strikes against the Huthis, a campaign initiated on March 15. Central Command disclosed that American forces have targeted over 800 locations, resulting in hundreds of Huthi casualties, including prominent leaders within the group.
The Iran-backed Huthis began escalating their attacks on maritime operations in late 2023, citing solidarity with Palestinians amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Their actions have severely disrupted shipping through the Suez Canal, a crucial artery for global trade, leading to significant detours for many vessels, to the tune of increased costs.
The Biden administration marked a renewed commitment to confronting the Huthi threat, with President Trump previously vowing military actions would persist until the rebels posed no further risk to maritime safety.
The alarming loss of drones and other military equipment underscores ongoing challenges faced by the US in its operations in Yemen. With rising tensions and impacts on global shipping, the situation remains critical as the military pursues sustained operations against the Huthi rebels. As recovery efforts for lost equipment continue and investigations unfold, the implications of these losses extend beyond immediate operational concerns to broader geopolitical issues rooted in regional conflicts.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
