Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Claim Downing of U.S. Drone Amid Intensifying Airstrikes
Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed the downing of an American MQ-9 Reaper drone amid ongoing U.S. airstrikes targeting the group. President Trump stated the Houthis have suffered significant losses since March 15, describing the campaign as relentless. The U.S. operation has escalated, resulting in notable casualties and raising the Houthis’ military profile in the region.
On Tuesday, Yemen’s Houthi rebels asserted the downing of an American MQ-9 Reaper drone, coinciding with ongoing U.S. airstrikes aimed at the group. The incident reportedly took place over Yemen’s Marib governorate as strikes targeted locations in Sanaa and Saada, areas under Houthi control.
In response to the increased hostilities, U.S. President Donald Trump warned both the Houthis and Iran, stating that the group has faced severe losses since the airstrike campaign commenced on March 15. He emphasized the ongoing intensity of the strikes, proclaiming, “We hit them every day and night — Harder and harder. Their capabilities that threaten Shipping and the Region are rapidly being destroyed.”
Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a military spokesman for the Houthis, maintained that they utilized a locally manufactured missile to down the drone. This continues a pattern, with the Houthis claiming to have shot down 20 MQ-9 drones historically, 16 of which were during recent escalations linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The current American operation against the Houthis marks a significant escalation compared to previous approaches under former President Joe Biden, now targeting both personnel and infrastructure. The airstrikes have purportedly resulted in at least 61 casualties among the Houthis.
The Houthis’ aggressive actions included attacks on merchant vessels and American warships, raising their military profile amid dire economic conditions in Yemen. The ongoing conflict represents an enduring crisis for the impoverished nation, as the rebels grapple with both external military engagement and internal dissent suppression.
In conclusion, the conflict between the Houthi rebels and U.S. forces has intensified, marked by claims of drone shootdowns and extensive bombing campaigns. U.S. President Trump’s administration has adopted a more aggressive stance against the Houthis, further complicating the humanitarian and military landscape in Yemen. The ongoing fighting underscores the multifaceted challenges facing the region, including the Houthis’ military strategies and the impact on civilian populations.
Original Source: www.click2houston.com
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