In an ongoing conflict in Yemen, the Houthi rebel group has reported downing another U.S.-made MQ-9 Reaper drone, making it the third such incident within a week. The rebels released video footage purportedly showing a missile striking the unmanned drone, with its remains scattered in Yemen’s Dhamar province, an area frequently hit by clashes.
The U.S. military acknowledged the report but has yet to confirm the downing. While previous Houthi claims have sometimes been exaggerated, the accompanying video gives credence to this particular incident. In the video, armed fighters gather around the drone wreckage, with one individual attempting to handle a piece of debris, only to drop it due to its heat.
The MQ-9 Reaper, a highly sophisticated drone valued at approximately $30 million, has been widely used by both the U.S. military and the CIA in Yemen. Known for its ability to reach altitudes of 50,000 feet and fly for over 24 hours, the Reaper has been crucial in U.S. operations in the region. The Houthis claim to have used a domestically produced missile to bring down the drone, although Iran has long been suspected of providing them with advanced weaponry, including surface-to-air missiles like the 358 model. Despite Iran’s denial, U.N. inspectors have discovered evidence of Iranian arms flowing into Yemen.
This recent drone downing comes amid a broader surge in Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, as the conflict intensifies following the start of the war between Israel and Hamas in October. The Houthis, aligned with Iran, have targeted over 80 vessels in recent weeks, using missiles and drones to attack ships they allege are linked to Israel or Western countries. However, many of the targeted vessels have had no direct connection to the ongoing Gaza conflict.
A recent high-profile attack was on the Greek-flagged oil tanker *Sounion*, which was carrying 1 million barrels of oil when it was hit by missiles in the Red Sea. The tanker, not involved in the Gaza conflict, raised concerns over the potential for an environmental disaster if its cargo were to leak. Efforts are currently underway to salvage the burning vessel.
Since the launch of their Red Sea campaign, the Houthis have seized one vessel and sunk two others, leading to the deaths of four sailors. Several of their missile and drone attacks have been thwarted by a U.S.-led coalition, though some have successfully reached their targets. Civilian shipping routes, especially those unrelated to the Gaza war, have been severely disrupted by these attacks.
The Houthis’ heightened focus on shipping targets seems to be a strategy to pressure the international community regarding the conflict in Gaza. However, their actions have resulted in widespread disruption to global trade routes, affecting vessels from numerous countries, including Iran, which is an unusual target given the Houthis’ alignment with Tehran.
As Yemen’s internal conflict increasingly spills over into regional waters, the downing of advanced military aircraft like the MQ-9 Reaper highlights the Houthis’ growing military capabilities. While the U.S. military has not officially confirmed the latest drone loss, the mounting evidence underscores the complexities and dangers of the ongoing conflict.
