• Houthi forces claim to have shot down seven US Reaper drones worth over $200 million in recent weeks.
• The US has conducted more than 800 airstrikes on Houthi targets since March 15, following Trump's military escalation.
• Rising civilian casualties are causing backlash against the US air campaign in Yemen, with significant concerns raised by US senators.

Recently, Yemen’s Houthi forces reported the downing of seven US Reaper drones, marking a significant operational loss for the Pentagon, valued over $200 million. The drones were reportedly destroyed during surveillance or attack missions between March 31 and April 22, with three drones downed in the past week alone, indicating improved Houthi targeting capabilities, according to aa, abcnews, indiatimes, npr, and aljazeera.

The US military has ramped up its air campaign in Yemen since March 15, conducting daily strikes against Houthi positions under the directive of President Donald Trump. Reports indicate that US forces have conducted over 800 airstrikes targeting Houthi command centers and military infrastructure, according to Central Command's spokesperson Dave Eastburn. These operations are part of an effort to deter Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, according to abcnews, indiatimes, and npr.

Despite the military objective, rising civilian casualties have prompted concerns in the US regarding the air campaign's human cost. Reports indicate that numerous civilians have died in Houthi-controlled areas since strikes intensified, with a notable attack on the Ras Isa fuel terminal reportedly killing at least 80 people. In response, US Senators Chris Van Hollen, Elizabeth Warren, and Tim Kaine have raised alarms about whether the Trump administration is adequately addressing civilian harm during military operations, according to aa, npr, aljazeera, and abcnews.

The Houthis have been vocal about their operations, framing their military actions as responses to perceived aggression, particularly in regard to conflicts involving Israel. They have made it clear that they view their missile and drone strikes against commercial shipping as a protest against Israel's actions in Gaza, and have stated that these will cease should a permanent ceasefire be established, as reported by npr, aljazeera, and indiatimes.