Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for shooting down another U.S. military MQ-9 Reaper drone. The rebels aired footage showing parts of the drone that matched known components of the unmanned aircraft. The Houthis stated that they used a surface-to-air missile to bring down the drone, marking a renewed series of assaults following a period of reduced activity during the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
A U.S. Air Force spokesperson confirmed that a MQ-9 drone had crashed in Yemen and mentioned that an investigation was ongoing. The Houthis reported that the incident occurred over their stronghold in Saada province on Thursday.
Footage released by the rebels included a missile launch targeting the drone, accompanied by anti-American and anti-Israeli slogans. The video also featured close-ups of drone parts bearing the logo of General Atomics, the drone manufacturer, and serial numbers corresponding to the company's products.
Since the Houthi takeover of northern Yemen in 2014, this incident marks at least the fifth U.S. drone lost to the rebels, with previous shootdowns occurring in 2017, 2019, 2023, and this year. Reapers, valued at around $30 million each, have the capability to fly at altitudes up to 50,000 feet and endure up to 24 hours in the air before requiring landing.
The drone shootdown coincides with Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, with demands for an end to the Gaza conflict. The Houthis have conducted over 50 attacks on shipping, resulting in the seizure and sinking of vessels since November, as reported by the U.S. Maritime Administration.
Recent weeks have seen a decrease in Houthi attacks due to intensified U.S.-led airstrikes in Yemen. Shipping activities in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have been impacted by the threat posed by the rebels. American officials speculate that the rebels may be facing weapon shortages as a consequence of the ongoing campaign against them, despite their continued use of drones and missiles in recent months.
The Houthis have resumed their attacks in the past week, underscoring the ongoing tensions in the region.
