Yemen’s Houthi rebels claim to have shot down another U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone in Marib, amid intensified U.S. aerial bombardments. The U.S. response has escalated under President Trump’s administration, aiming to counter Houthi threats to shipping in the region. The conflict continues amidst humanitarian crises, as the Houthis target maritime vessels, asserting their growing military capabilities.

In a recent development, Yemen’s Houthi rebels reported the downing of another MQ-9 Reaper drone amidst persistent U.S. airstrikes. The incident occurred in Marib governorate, a region crucial for its oil and gas resources, which remains aligned with Yemen’s exiled central government. The rebels released footage claiming to show the drone’s destruction, backed by Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, who stated they utilized a domestically produced missile to accomplish this feat.

The Houthi military has access to surface-to-air missiles, including the Iranian-manufactured 358 missile, known for its capacity to target aircraft. Despite Iran’s denial of supplying arms to the rebels, evidence of Tehran’s weaponry has surfaced amid the ongoing conflict, which persists despite a United Nations arms embargo. In response, the U.S. military acknowledged awareness of the reported downing but refrained from providing additional comments.

The MQ-9 Reaper, valued at approximately $30 million, is capable of flying at altitudes exceeding 40,000 feet for over 30 hours and has been a mainstay for U.S. military operations in the Middle East, including Afghanistan and Iraq. Although the Houthis assert they have downed 20 drones over the years, the U.S. military has not confirmed or specified the total losses.

Intensified U.S. bombings against the Houthis commenced on March 15, with reports indicating that the current operations may surpass those executed under former President Joe Biden. This shift from merely targeting launch sites to more aggressive strikes against personnel and urban areas aims to address threats, especially given the Houthis’ recent aggressive stance towards maritime vessels in response to regional tensions.

Since November 2023, the Houthis have aggressively targeted over 100 merchant vessels, resulting in significant casualties and raising their notoriety amid Yemen’s enduring socio-economic crisis. This ongoing conflict underscores the persistent instability in a nation already grappling with extensive humanitarian challenges, as the Houthis simultaneously clamp down on dissent within their territories.

The ongoing conflict in Yemen continues to escalate with the Houthis asserting their capability to down U.S. drones, which complicates the situation further. U.S. military operations under President Trump have intensified, contrasting with prior strategies. The Houthis’ aggressive actions towards maritime targets signify rising tensions while also reflecting internal pressures they face in Yemen. The cycle of violence, exacerbated by foreign involvement, continues to challenge efforts towards peace and stability in the region.

Original Source: m.economictimes.com

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