Houthis Claim Downing of US Drone Amid Ongoing Red Sea Tensions

Yemen's Houthi rebels have asserted that they successfully downed a US-manufactured MQ-9 Reaper drone on September 15, 2024. This claim is supported by video footage circulating online, which appears to depict a surface-to-air missile strike and the resulting flaming debris scattered on the ground.

The incident reportedly occurred in Yemen's southwestern Dhamar province. Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesperson, identified the aircraft as an MQ-9 without providing further details on the identification process. He stated that this was the third such drone downed by the group within a week, although evidence for the previous two claims was not presented.

The US military has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding this incident. It's worth noting that the Houthis have previously exaggerated their claims in their ongoing campaign targeting shipping in the Red Sea, which they link to the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip.

The MQ-9 Reaper, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, is a remotely piloted aircraft capable of flying at altitudes up to 50,000 feet (15,240 meters) with an endurance of up to 24 hours. These drones, each costing approximately $30 million, have been utilized by both the US military and the CIA for operations over Yemen for several years.

The Houthi movement, officially known as Ansar Allah, emerged in the 1990s and has been a key player in Yemen's civil war since 2014. The group claims to use locally produced missiles for their attacks. However, evidence suggests that Iran has been supplying them with advanced weaponry, including surface-to-air missiles, despite Tehran's denials and a United Nations arms embargo imposed in 2015.

Over the past 11 months, since October 2023, the Houthis have targeted more than 80 merchant vessels with missiles and drones in the Red Sea. This strategic waterway, a seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean between Africa and Asia, is crucial for global shipping. The rebels claim to target ships linked to Israel, the US, or the UK to pressure for an end to Israel's campaign against Hamas in Gaza. However, many of the attacked vessels have little or no connection to the conflict.

"We have successfully downed a US-made MQ-9 Reaper drone using a locally produced missile. This marks the third such interception in a week."

The ongoing attacks have resulted in the deaths of four sailors and the sinking of two vessels. A US-led coalition, part of the Combined Maritime Forces, has been working to intercept missiles and drones in the Red Sea to protect shipping lanes.

In a recent incident, the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion was struck in a barrage of attacks. Salvage operations are currently underway to tow the burning vessel, aiming to prevent a potential environmental disaster from the release of its 1 million barrel oil cargo.

As tensions continue to escalate in the region, the international community remains concerned about the impact on global trade and the potential for wider conflict. The situation underscores the complex interplay of regional politics, international interests, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen and Gaza.