Yemen’s Houthi rebels claim responsibility for shooting down a US-made MQ-9 Reaper drone

In Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Houthi rebels based in Yemen claimed on Monday that they had successfully shot down another MQ-9 Reaper drone, which is American-made. A video circulating online depicted what seemed to be a surface-to-air missile hitting the drone, resulting in flaming wreckage scattered on the ground.
The U.S. military did not immediately respond to the claim made by the Houthis regarding the drone being downed over Dhamar province in southwestern Yemen. The Houthis have a history of exaggerating claims, particularly in their efforts targeting shipping in the Red Sea amid the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
Despite past claims lacking evidence, the online video seemed to support the latest assertion made by the Houthis, with footage showing armed rebels surrounding the burning wreckage, including a propeller resembling those used by the drone. Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesperson, identified the drone as an MQ-9, although details on how that determination was made were not provided.
Saree mentioned that this was the third drone claimed to be downed by the group within a week. The Houthis have stated that they used a locally produced missile in this incident, while Iran has been known to supply the rebels with surface-to-air missiles, despite denying arming them.
The MQ-9 Reaper drones, valued at around $30 million each, are capable of flying up to 50,000 feet and have a flight endurance of up to 24 hours. They have been utilized by the U.S. military and the CIA for operations in Yemen for an extended period.
The Houthi rebels have targeted over 80 merchant vessels with missiles and drones since the conflict in Gaza began in October, seizing one vessel and sinking two others. Their attacks have also led to the loss of four sailors. The rebels claim to target ships affiliated with Israel, the U.S., or the U.K. to pressure the end of Israel’s actions against Hamas; however, some of the attacked ships have no clear connection to the conflict.
One such incident involved the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion, which was struck by a barrage in the Red Sea. Efforts are underway to salvage the burning oil tanker and prevent a potential massive oil spill from its 1 million barrels of oil onboard.