In a concerning escalation of tensions, Houthi militants have successfully shot down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone flying near Yemen, confirmed by both a U.S. official to ABC News and later acknowledged by the Pentagon on Tuesday.
The incident marks the second time the Houthis have targeted and downed a Reaper drone, following a similar incident in November in international airspace near Yemen. In their statement on Monday, the Houthis claimed responsibility for targeting not only the Reaper but also two American ships in the Gulf of Aden.
Amid escalating regional tensions and consistent deployment of missiles and drones by both sides since the eruption of war in Gaza, the U.S. has designated the Houthis as a global terrorist organization. The Pentagon has noted the increasing sophistication of Houthi attacks, indicating a significant challenge in the region.
The drone, taken down by a surface-to-air missile, remains unrecovered, prompting an ongoing investigation by the Pentagon. Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh acknowledged the complexity of the situation, emphasizing the need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and urging Iran, believed to support the Houthis, to intervene in influencing their actions.
Over the weekend, the U.S. conducted five self-defense strikes against the Houthis, including one targeting an unmanned underwater vessel, representing a new development in Houthi tactics. This comes after the recent seizure of components of an underwater drone by the Coast Guard, further highlighting the evolving nature of the conflict.
The MQ-9 Reaper, primarily tasked with intelligence gathering, is a significant asset for the U.S. military, valued at over $50 million. As tensions continue to simmer, the region remains on high alert, with ongoing efforts to mitigate further escalation and maintain stability.
