Local Yemeni sources claimed an American MQ-9 Reaper drone was shot down over Saada province in Yemen. Photos purportedly showing the drone’s debris were shared on social network X (formerly Twitter).Â
The pro-Hezbollah Al-Mayadeen outlet reported that Yemeni air defenses intercepted the drone over the Houthi-controlled Saada Governate. Yahya Saree, spokesperson for the Yemeni Armed Forces, stated that the drone was targeted with a locally made surface-to-air missile during hostile activities over Saada province. This incident, if verified, marks the eighth downing of an MQ-9 Reaper since October last year amid ongoing tensions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Watch: Yemen’s Armed Forces shot down an American MQ-9 drone with surface-to-air missiles in Saada
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Saree emphasized Yemen’s commitment to defending its airspace against what he described as U.S.-British aggression. Previous incidents have involved various groups claiming responsibility for shooting down MQ-9 Reapers, including the Houthis and the Islamic Resistance of Iraq. Recent events have also seen increased Houthi activity against U.S. assets and allied shipping in the region.
The MQ-9 Reaper, an advanced UAV developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, is used primarily for surveillance and precision strikes. With its high-altitude, long-endurance capabilities, it plays a crucial role in U.S. military operations. The cost of an MQ-9 Reaper unit is approximately $16.9 million, including necessary ground control stations and supporting equipment.
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