Yemen’s Houthi rebels have once again announced the shooting down of an American MQ-9 Predator drone, as reported by various sources on May 17, 2024. The incident allegedly took place in the Marib province, an area still under the control of the internationally recognized government of Yemen, which has been forced into exile.
In the wake of the circulated footage showing fragments of a drone engulfed in flames, Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree declared that the aircraft was taken down by a surface-to-air missile. He characterized the drone as “carrying out hostile actions,” and has vowed to release footage of the purported attack. The U.S. military, up to this point, has not issued any statement regarding the claim.
The significance of this event is underscored by the fact that the Houthis, who have controlled the north of Yemen and the capital Sanaa since 2014, have a documented track record of targeting U.S. drones. They have been reported to possess weapons capable of high-altitude engagement, with alleged backing from Iran. The U.S. has lost at least five drones to Houthi actions in the past, highlighting the threat they pose to U.S. aerial operations in the region.
These MQ-9 Reapers, with an estimated cost of around $30 million each, are known for their ability to operate at high altitudes of up to 50,000 feet and can remain airborne for up to 24 hours. The loss of such an asset constitutes not only a financial setback but also a strategic one, given the advanced surveillance capabilities of the drones.
The downing of this drone comes amid a surge in Houthi attacks on maritime shipping in the strategic waters of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. These hostilities are part of a broader campaign that the Houthis have linked to the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, where the conflict has resulted in significant casualties and humanitarian concerns.
The Houthis have asserted that they have launched over 50 attacks on maritime vessels, managing to seize one and sink another since the previous November. Nevertheless, a recent U.S.-led airstrike campaign against the rebels in Yemen has reportedly led to a decrease in such attacks. However, shipping activity in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden continues to be affected by the ongoing threat.
Relevant articles:
– Yemen’s Houthi rebels claim shooting down another US MQ-9 Predator drone as footage shows wreckage , Beaumont Enterprise, 05/17/2024
– Yemen’s Houthi rebels claim shooting down another US MQ-9 Predator drone, ABC News, 05/17/2024
– Houthi Blow To USA: Yemeni Rebels Destroy American MQ-9 Reaper Drone In New Attack, The Times of India, 05/17/2024
Glad you enjoyed above story, be sure to follow TrendyDigests on Microsoft Start.