Houthi Rebels Claim Downing of US Reaper Drone in Yemen

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for shooting down a U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone on Thursday, April 25, 2024, in the rebel-controlled Saada province. The rebels released footage showing wreckage of the unmanned aircraft, which bore the logo and serial numbers of the drone’s manufacturer, General Atomics. The Associated Press reports that the U.S. military confirmed the incident, stating that an investigation is underway.

Houthi Rebels’ Renewed Attacks

The downing of the drone is part of a series of renewed attacks by the Houthi rebels following a relative lull in their pressure campaign over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. The rebels have launched more than 50 attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November, demanding an end to the war in Gaza, which has claimed the lives of over 34,000 Palestinians.

Drone Losses to Houthis

Since the Houthis seized control of northern Yemen and its capital, Sanaa, in 2014, the U.S. military has lost at least five drones to the rebels, including the most recent incident. The MQ-9 Reaper, a high-altitude, long-endurance drone with a price tag of approximately $30 million, is a significant loss for the U.S. military.

Impact on Shipping and U.S. Response

The Houthi attacks have led to a decline in shipping through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden due to the increased threat. In response, the U.S. has launched an airstrike campaign targeting the rebels in Yemen. American officials speculate that the rebels may be running out of weapons as a result of the U.S.-led campaign and their steady use of drones and missiles in recent months. However, the rebels have renewed their attacks in the past week.

The downing of the U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone by Yemen’s Houthi rebels highlights the ongoing conflict in the region and the challenges faced by the U.S. military in combating the rebel group. As the investigation into the incident continues, the international community remains concerned about the impact of the Houthi attacks on shipping and the escalating violence in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Photo courtesy of ALMasirah TV via AP.