Houthi Rebels Shoot Down US MQ-9 Reaper Drone Amid Rising Tensions

Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed to have shot down an American-made MQ-9 Reaper drone over the country, underscoring the ongoing conflict in the region. The US military confirmed the loss of the drone, which is part of escalating tensions involving missile attacks, airstrikes, and targeted ships in the Red Sea.

Yemen's Houthi rebels announced on Monday that they successfully shot down an American-made MQ-9 Reaper drone over their territory, with video evidence circulating online purportedly showing a surface-to-air missile hitting the aircraft. The US military confirmed the loss of the drone.

This incident comes as the one-year anniversary of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza approaches, with the Houthis targeting ships transiting the Red Sea amidst US-led airstrikes in Yemen. This has endangered a key maritime route crucial for global trade and aid shipments to Sudan and Yemen. The Houthis also launched missiles at Israel over the weekend, prompting Israeli retaliatory airstrikes on Hodeida.

Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree showed footage and images claiming to prove the downing of the MQ-9, which costs around $30 million and has been utilized by the US military and CIA. The US military confirmed the incident but did not provide further details. The Houthis have previously targeted numerous merchant vessels since the Gaza conflict began, adding to regional instability.

(With inputs from agencies.)