Pentagon faces $200 million loss as Houthis shoot down 7 US Reaper drones

According to defence officials, three of the drones were shot down in the past week — suggesting the militants' targeting of the unmanned aircraft flying over Yemen has improved.

The drones were doing attack runs or conducting surveillance, and they crashed both into the water and onto land, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations.

The US has increased its attacks on the Houthis, launching daily strikes since March 15, when President Donald Trump ordered a new, expanded campaign.

Another defence official said that although hostile fire is likely the cause of the drone losses, the incidents are still under investigation.

The official noted that the increase in US strikes can add to the risk to aircraft, but said the US will take every measure possible to protect troops, equipment and interests in the region.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity to comment on sensitive military issues.