Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed on Tuesday that they shot down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone over the southern province of Bayda. The U.S. military confirmed reports of the incident but did not provide further comments. If validated, this would be the second American drone downed by the Houthis within a week, intensifying their activities amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree announced that the drone was downed using a locally manufactured surface-to-air missile while conducting “hostile missions” over Bayda. The Houthis released footage purportedly showing the drone being hit by a missile
Footage of Yemeni armed forces downing the US MQ-9 Reaper drone over the al Bayda
— Hussein (@EyesOnSouth1) May 21, 2024
Last Friday, the Houthis also claimed to have downed another MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Marib province. Visual evidence circulated online appeared to show the wreckage. Each Reaper drone, valued at around $30 million, is capable of flying at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet and can operate for up to 24 hours.
⚡️BREAKING
The Yemeni armed forces have shot down another U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone, worth about $30 million. in Marib province, eastern Yemen pic.twitter.com/4OVkhUWGmn
— Warfare Analysis (@warfareanalysis) May 17, 2024
The U.S. Maritime Administration reports that the Houthis have conducted more than 50 attacks on shipping, seized one vessel, and sunk another since November. This increase in hostilities has led to a reduction in maritime traffic through these strategic waterways.
In a related incident last week, the Houthis claimed to have fired a missile at a U.S. Navy destroyer in the Red Sea, though the U.S. military stated that the missile was intercepted.
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