American Drone Shot Down Over Yemen by Houthis Amid Rising Regional Tensions

Riyadh, October 1, 2024 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – An American MQ-9 drone was shot down over Yemen on Sunday night by Houthi forces, according to two U.S. defense officials. The Iran-backed rebel group claimed responsibility for the incident.

Brig. Gen. Yehya Saree, spokesperson for the Houthi military, confirmed the downing, stating, "The air defenses of the Yemeni Armed Forces shot down an American MQ-9 aircraft while it was carrying out hostile missions in the airspace of Saada Governorate."

The incident followed Israeli strikes on the Yemeni port cities of Ras Issa and Hodeidah in response to long-range missiles fired at Israel. The Houthis, who have intensified their military actions since the onset of the war in Gaza, previously claimed to have shot down multiple U.S. drones, including another MQ-9 Reaper two weeks ago over Dhamar Governorate.

The Pentagon, however, rejected the Houthis’ claim of shooting down more than 10 U.S. drones. "I can tell you that that number is not accurate," said Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder during a news briefing. "It's too high."

The MQ-9 Reaper, which costs approximately $28 million, has been downed by the Houthis in previous incidents, including in November and February, according to U.S. officials. The drone’s advanced surveillance capabilities make it a valuable asset for U.S. operations in the region.

This latest incident has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict as tensions continue to escalate, particularly with Israel's intensified strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon, another Iran-backed group linked to the Houthis through weapons and training support.