Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed to have shot down another U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone amid intensified airstrikes by the U.S. President Trump asserted the group is significantly weakened and warned of further military action until they halt attacks on U.S. entities. The rebels have provoked numerous international shipping threats, deepening the ongoing conflict in the region.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels asserted on Tuesday that they shot down another American MQ-9 Reaper drone amidst ongoing U.S. airstrikes targeting their group. This incident reportedly occurred in the contested Marib governorate, coinciding with strikes around Sanaa, Yemen’s rebel-held capital, and the Houthi stronghold of Saada.

In response, U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed his administration’s resolve against the Houthis and their Iranian backers, declaring that the group had been “decimated” by airstrikes launched on March 15. President Trump announced, “Their capabilities that threaten Shipping and the Region are rapidly being destroyed,” emphasizing that U.S. attacks would persist until the threat to regional navigation was eliminated.

The Houthis claimed responsibility for downing the drone in Marib, where oil and gas fields are still controlled by Yemen’s exiled government allies. Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree indicated they utilized a locally manufactured missile to target the drone. The Houthis possess surface-to-air missiles capable of engaging aircraft, despite Iranian claims of non-involvement in arming the rebels.

The U.S. military acknowledged awareness of the downed Reaper but refrained from providing further comments. The General Atomics Reaper, valued at approximately $30 million, operates at high altitudes and possesses extended flight capabilities. The Houthis have claimed to down 20 MQ-9 drones throughout the conflict, with 16 reported during their recent activities related to the Israel-Hamas war.

American air operations against the Houthis have intensified since March 15, as a review by the Associated Press indicated that the current campaign is more expansive than previous efforts under former President Biden. The renewed focus involves not only strikes on launch sites but also targeting key personnel. The Houthis indicated that these airstrikes have resulted in at least 61 fatalities.

The Houthis have escalated their activities by targeting over 100 commercial vessels since November 2023, leading to two sinkings and four fatalities. They also attempted assaults on American warships without successful hits, while simultaneously repressing dissent and aid initiatives domestically, amid Yemen’s ongoing humanitarian crisis and protracted conflict.

In conclusion, the ongoing conflict in Yemen has escalated with the Houthi rebels claiming the downing of another American drone amidst intensified U.S. airstrikes. The conflict has implications for regional security and shipping, as President Trump warns of continued military action against the Houthis until they cease attacks on U.S. interests. The situation remains complex, centering around military engagements and humanitarian challenges in a war-torn nation.

Original Source: www.military.com

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