Houthi rebels appear not to be fearing U.S. MQ-9 Reaper Drones like they have in the past thanks to the help of Iran, according to U.S. intelligence sources. U.S. officials told NBC News that Tehran is enabling the militants to shoot down the massive, unmanned aircraft that are used to gather intelligence and launch Hellfire missiles and laser-guided bombs.
Iran reportedly supplied the rebel group with money, training and weapons. The U.S. alleged on Wednesday, Sept. 18, that the country is also helping the Houthis target MQ-9 Reaper drones. Houthi fighters hit two in less than a week. The U.S. military said the group damaged the first Reaper on Sept. 10 and shot down a second on Sept. 16.
The Houthi counterattacks dealt a blow to U.S-led airstrikes in Yemen and imperiled the Red Seas trade route that typically sees $1 trillion in cargo pass through the waterway yearly. Additionally, Reaper drones reportedly cost around $30 million each.
The Houthis claim to have shot down 10 Reaper drones since November. U.S. intelligence said that number is not accurate, but would not give an exact number on how many were shot down because of security concerns.
Military experts said the targeting of U.S. drones is a sign that Houthis air defense systems are getting stronger. They also cited new, upgraded missiles and systems from Iran as a reason for the upgrades. Tehran reportedly sent the Houthis 358 and SA-2 Surface-to-Air-Missiles, both of which can take down Reapers and other drones, according to U.S. officials.
U.S. forces also reportedly struggled to detect Houthi air defense systems because some do not use a radar system. That makes it harder for the U.S. military to find a heat signature.
The White House condemned Iran’s support of the Houthi’s. A representative also said the White House “will continue to work with our allies and partners to ensure the safety of our personal and capabilities across the region.”
