Yemen’s Houthi rebels have once again claimed to have successfully downed a US drone, according to statements on Tuesday. If verified, this would mark the second MQ-9 Reaper drone to be shot down by the Iran-backed group within a week. These recent developments could indicate an escalating response from the Houthis amidst the broader regional conflict that has seen the Gaza Strip embroiled in severe violence.
The Houthi military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, stated that the drone was taken down over Yemen’s southern province of Bayda with a surface-to-air missile produced locally. The exact timing of this incident, however, was not disclosed by the rebels. Saree suggested that the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was on “hostile missions” when it was targeted. The MQ-9 Reaper is a high-endurance, high-altitude platform that has been a significant asset to the US military, which reportedly did not immediately confirm the incident, as Central Command remained unresponsive to inquiries about the claim.
The downing of the drone comes amid a turbulent period in the region, with the Houthis also intensifying their efforts against maritime targets in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. These strategic maritime routes have witnessed a decline in shipping activities due to increased threats, including more than 50 reported attacks, the seizure of one vessel, and the sinking of another, as per the US Maritime Administration. The rebels’ maritime aggression and their demand for an end to Israel’s military actions in the Gaza Strip are part of a broader Houthi campaign tied to regional hostilities.
Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since 2014, when the Houthi movement took control of the northern part of the country and the capital, Sanaa. During this conflict, the US military has reportedly lost at least five drones to Houthi forces, pointing to the group’s growing capabilities in anti-aircraft warfare. These incidents also underscore the complexities of the Yemeni conflict, which involves not only internal factions but also regional and international actors.
The MQ-9 Reaper drone, valued at approximately $30 million each, represents a significant technological and financial loss for the US military. It is capable of flying at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet with an endurance limit of up to 24 hours, which makes it a formidable tool for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
Relevant articles:
– Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels claim they shot down another US drone , CityNews Ottawa, 05/21/2024
– Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels claim they shot down another US drone, The Week, 05/21/2024
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