US Admits Yemen’s Strength: Drone Losses Cripple Pentagon's Strategy
Yemen's Armed Forces continue to demonstrate advanced capabilities, shooting down US drones and forcing a significant shift in the Pentagon's strategy, with major operational setbacks in the ongoing c
Yemen, PUREWILAYAH.COM - The skies over Yemen have become a graveyard for US drones, as the Yemeni Armed Forces (YAF) continue to deliver powerful blows to American air power. According to Fox News and CNN, at least seven MQ-9 Reaper drones — each worth approximately $30 million — have been shot down since March 3, dealing a heavy strategic and financial blow to the US military.
Pentagon’s Strategy in Ruins
The Pentagon’s initial plan was to crush Yemen’s air defenses within 30 days and move into a new phase focused on hunting senior resistance leaders. Instead, persistent drone losses have derailed these objectives, leaving US operations struggling to maintain surveillance, targeting, and battlefield intelligence.
Despite launching over 900 airstrikes across northern and central Yemen — including Sanaa — the US has failed to dismantle Yemen’s defensive capabilities. Officials admit that the YAF’s missile systems and command structures remain largely intact after weeks of relentless bombing.
Yemen’s Response: Fire for Fire
In response to US and Israeli aggression, Yemeni forces have launched:
77 attack drones
30 cruise missiles
24 ballistic missiles
23 surface-to-air missiles
against American forces, Red Sea targets, and Israeli interests. US intelligence assessments confirm that Yemen shows no sign of slowing its operations or losing its strategic effectiveness.
A $200 Million Message of Defiance
According to an Associated Press report, three Reaper drones were brought down in just the past week alone. All drones targeted by Yemeni forces were either conducting attack missions or surveillance operations over Yemeni territory.
US officials, speaking anonymously, attributed the drone losses to hostile fire, though investigations are ongoing. Each MQ-9 Reaper operates at altitudes above 40,000 feet, but even such technological advantages have failed against the sharpened skills of Yemen’s defenders.
The fall of these drones sends a loud and clear message: The Yemeni sky will not be surrendered. (PW)