DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The conflict in Yemen saw new developments on Tuesday as the Houthi rebels declared they had successfully downed another American MQ-9 Reaper drone. This statement comes amid an ongoing series of aggressive airstrikes conducted by the United States against the group. The drone was reportedly shot down in Yemen’s contested Marib governorate, an area already under significant pressure as airstrikes were simultaneously reported near Sanaa, the rebel-held capital, and Saada, one of the strongholds of the Houthis.
The military operations have prompted a stark warning from U.S. President Donald Trump, who cautioned both the Houthis and Iran, their primary supporter, describing the impact of the ongoing bombing campaign that commenced on March 15. On his social media platform, Trump claimed substantial losses among the Houthi fighters and leaders, stating, “Many of their Fighters and Leaders are no longer with us.” He emphasized the intensity of the attacks, noting, “We hit them every day and night — Harder and harder.” President Trump reinforced the strategic objective of the strikes: to dismantle the capabilities threatening shipping and regional stability.
He further asserted, “Our attacks will continue until they are no longer a threat to Freedom of Navigation.” Trump issued a direct ultimatum to the Houthis, saying, “The choice for the Houthis is clear: Stop shooting at U.S. ships, and we will stop shooting at you. Otherwise, we have only just begun, and the real pain is yet to come, for both the Houthis and their sponsors in Iran.”
The Houthis’ claim of shooting down an additional U.S. drone adds to a series of incidents in Marib, a region critical due to its oil and gas resources, which remain under the control of Yemen’s exiled central government allies. Social media footage purportedly depicted flames in the night sky, with a local Yemeni asserting that a drone had indeed been targeted. Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree presented a prerecorded video message asserting responsibility for downing the MQ-9 drone, citing the use of “a suitable locally manufactured missile.” The Houthis possess various surface-to-air missile systems, including Iranian models like the 358, which are known to be capable of shooting down aircraft.
Despite Tehran’s denial of arming the rebels, weapons manufactured in Iran have been found on Yemeni battlefields and intercepted in sea shipments bound for Houthi groups in defiance of the United Nations arms embargo. The U.S. military confirmed awareness of the reported shootdown but refrained from providing additional comments. General Atomics Reapers, each valued at approximately $30 million, have the capability to fly at impressive altitudes surpassing 40,000 feet (12,100 meters) and remain airborne for over 30 hours. These drones have been employed by both the U.S. military and the CIA across multiple regions including Afghanistan, Iraq, and Yemen.
Historically, the Houthis have asserted the successful downing of 20 MQ-9 drones over Yemen, with 16 of these incidents allegedly occurring amidst the ongoing conflict associated with the Israel-Hamas war. However, the U.S. has not disclosed the total number of drones that have been lost. A review highlights that the comprehensive American operations against the Houthis under President Trump seem more extensive than previous efforts during the Biden administration. The U.S. strategy has evolved from solely targeting launch sites to actively pursuing high-ranking personnel and dropping bombs in urban centers.
This intensified campaign of airstrikes, which the Houthis claim has resulted in at least 61 deaths, was initiated following threats from the rebels to resume targeting “Israeli” ships in response to Israel’s blockade of aid to the Gaza Strip. The term “Israeli ship” has been loosely defined by the Houthis, broadening the scope of potential targets. Between November 2023 and January of the current year, the Houthis attacked over 100 merchant vessels using missiles and drones, which led to the sinking of two ships and the deaths of four sailors. Additionally, they have launched unsuccessful strikes targeting American warships.
Amidst Yemen’s enduring conflict, these attacks have highlighted the Houthis’ increasing prominence as they simultaneously confront internal economic challenges and suppress dissent and humanitarian efforts within the nation. The conflict has ravaged what was already the Arab world’s poorest state, intensifying the humanitarian crisis and drawing continued international attention.