More than a dozen MQ-9 "Reaper" drones have been lost in US combat operations against Iran.
This was reported by two US officials to ABC News.
They specified that the losses were caused either by Iranian missiles or by destruction on the ground to prevent them from falling into enemy hands.
The "Reaper" drone has been used for both reconnaissance and combat missions. It is armed with "Hellfire" missiles.
The drone is a key unmanned aerial vehicle in the conflict.
More than 200 US service members have been injured since the start of Operation "Epic Fury," NBC News reported.
Of those, more than 180 have returned to duty, while nine people remain in treatment for serious injuries.