On December 28, 2024, Houthi forces in Yemen reportedly shot down a U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone in the Al Bayda Governorate, west of Yemen. The Iranian-backed rebels released video evidence showing a missile, purportedly launched from a Soviet-era 2K12 Kub surface-to-air missile system, successfully striking the drone. This incident would mark the 13th MQ-9 Reaper the Houthis claim to have downed since October 7.
The MQ-9 Reaper was reportedly conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations when it was targeted. Yahya Saree, a spokesperson for the Houthi military, stated that the drone was shot down using a locally made surface-to-air missile. The footage released via Houthi media channels corroborates the claims, showing the missile hitting the drone mid-flight. The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has acknowledged awareness of the reports but has not yet provided an official confirmation or comment.
🇾🇪🇺🇸 Footage has surfaced showing Yemeni forces successfully taking down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone yesterday. pic.twitter.com/vw7foOLNQz
— DD Geopolitics (@DD_Geopolitics) December 29, 2024
Each MQ-9 Reaper costs approximately $30 million, bringing the estimated financial impact of the 13 reported losses since October to over $400 million. The Houthis have reportedly modernized the 2K12 Kub, a mobile, medium-range surface-to-air missile system developed in the 1960s.
Since November 2023, the group has launched nearly 100 attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, framing these actions as solidarity with Palestinians amidst the Israel-Gaza conflict
