America admits defeat in drone battle against Yemen
U.S. Officials Admit Yemeni Forces’ Ability to Down MQ-9 Drones Has Hindered Transition to Second Phase of Operations; Six-Week Bombing Campaign Had No Impact on This Capability.
Teh English section of Webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency and Al-Masirah, reported that CNN, quoting U.S. officials, stated: The Houthis (Yemeni forces) have successfully shot down seven of our drones, preventing the transition to the second phase of operations against them.
U.S. officials added: we had hoped to achieve air superiority in Yemen within 30 days and weaken the Houthis’ air defence, then begin a new phase focused on gathering intelligence about Houthi leaders and targeting them.
They acknowledged: The most suitable drones for this mission in Yemen are the MQ-9s—which the Houthis have repeatedly shot down.U.S. officials have acknowledged that Houthi forces have become more skilled at targeting these drones.
American officials emphasized: “The continued loss of drones has made it difficult for us to successfully destroy the Houthis’ weapons.”
CNN, citing two sources, added that the Houthis’ capability and determination to attack U.S. and commercial ships, as well as bomb Israel, have not significantly changed.
The same sources admitted that six weeks of airstrikes have had no impact on the Houthis’ operational capabilities or their command-and-control structure.CNN also reported,citing U.S. officials, that since the start of attacks on Yemen on March 15, around 700 Yemeni military positions have been targeted in 300 airstrikes.
