Houthis Claim to Have Shot Down Another American Drone

The Houthis of Yemen claimed that they have shot down another American drone. Hours before this claim, images were circulated on social media that appeared to show the wreckage of an American MQ-9 Reaper drone. If confirmed, this would be at least the sixth American drone downed by the Iran-backed Houthis in recent years. Yahya Saree, the military spokesman for the Houthis, stated on Friday, May 17, that this drone was shot down on Thursday with a surface-to-air missile while it was 'conducting offensive operations' in the Marib region, which is controlled by forces allied with the official government of Yemen. Shortly after, the Houthis released a video claiming to show the moment the surface-to-air missile was fired in the dark of night and images of the moment it hit the drone, captured by night vision cameras. The images shared on social media show wreckage that apparently resembles parts of a Reaper drone, and another video of it burning was also released. The U.S. military did not respond to a question from the Associated Press regarding the Houthis' claim. Although the Houthis have made claims in the past that were proven to be false, they have successfully downed several American drones in previous attacks. The weapons provided to them by the Iranian government can target high-altitude objectives. Since 2014, when the Houthis seized northern Yemen and the capital Sana'a, at least five American drones have been shot down by this militia group. Each MQ-9 Reaper drone costs about $30 million. These drones can fly at altitudes of up to 15,000 meters and can remain airborne for up to 24 hours without needing to land. The Houthis began drone and missile attacks on shipping routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in response to the Gaza war, claiming to 'support the Palestinians,' and they state that they will continue these attacks until a ceasefire is established in Gaza. According to statistics from the U.S. Maritime Administration, they have attacked over 50 ships in the past six months, seized one ship, and sunk another. Due to recent air and missile attacks by the U.S. and its allies on Yemen, Houthi attacks on shipping routes have decreased, but the ongoing threat from these attacks has significantly reduced the movement of commercial vessels through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden compared to normal conditions.