U.S ,Houthi Rebel

Yemen's Houthi rebels claim to have shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone, showcasing footage of identifiable components. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges posed by the Houthi insurgency in Yemen.

Yemen's Houthi rebels have asserted responsibility for shooting down another US military MQ-9 Reaper drone, showcasing footage of identifiable components of the unmanned aircraft. The incident, which the Houthis reported occurring on Thursday over their stronghold in Saada province, marks a resurgence in their attacks following a period of relative calm amid the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.

In response to the Houthi claims, US Air Force Lt. Col. Bryon J. McGarry confirmed to The Associated Press that "a US Air Force MQ-9 drone crashed in Yemen." Investigations into the incident are currently underway.

The released footage by the Houthis featured what they described as the missile launch targeting the drone, accompanied by a recitation of their slogan: "God is the greatest; death to America; death to Israel; curse the Jews; victory to Islam." Notably, the footage zoomed in on parts of the drone bearing the logo of General Atomics, the manufacturer, and serial numbers corresponding to known components of the drone.

This incident adds to a series of similar events since the Houthi takeover of Yemen's north and its capital, Sanaa, in 2014. Previous drone shootdowns by the rebels occurred in 2017, 2019, 2023, and this year. The MQ-9 Reaper, valued at approximately USD 30 million each, boasts capabilities such as flying at altitudes up to 50,000 feet and an endurance of up to 24 hours.

Beyond the drone incident, the Houthis have been increasingly active, launching attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, demanding an end to the Gaza conflict. The US Maritime Administration reported over 50 attacks on shipping, including the seizure of one vessel and the sinking of another, since November.

Despite a decline in Houthi attacks in recent weeks due to US-led airstrikes in Yemen, their actions have intensified once again. American officials speculate that the rebels may be facing constraints in acquiring weapons following the intensified campaign against them. Nonetheless, their recent resurgence underscores the ongoing challenges posed by the Houthi insurgency in Yemen and its broader regional implications.