Houthi Forces Take Down U.S. MQ-9 Drone in Yemen
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Synopsis
On April 1, the Houthi armed group reported the downing of a U.S. MQ-9 drone over Marib province, marking the sixteenth drone interception since October 2023. The incident highlights ongoing tensions as U.S. airstrikes continue in response to Houthi activities.
Key Takeaways
- The Houthi group claims to have shot down a U.S. MQ-9 drone in Marib.
- This incident is the sixteenth U.S. drone interception since October 2023.
- The U.S. military has resumed airstrikes against Houthi positions in northern Yemen.
- Ongoing conflicts involve threats to Israeli navigation in the region.
- Recent U.S. airstrikes have resulted in civilian casualties in Hajjah.
Sanaa, April 1 (NationPress) The Houthi militant faction in Yemen announced early Tuesday that it has successfully taken down a U.S. MQ-9 drone in the central province of Marib.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea stated in a broadcast via the group's al-Masirah TV that, "Our air defenses intercepted an aggressive American MQ-9 drone within the airspace of Marib, employing a missile produced locally."
He noted that this incident marks the sixteenth U.S. drone successfully shot down since October 2023, although he did not provide the exact timing. Local media outlets affiliated with the Houthis reported the drone was downed on Monday.
Sarea emphasized, "We will persist in obstructing Israeli navigation in both the Red Sea and Arabian Seas... until the aggression against Gaza ceases and the blockade is lifted," while also indicating ongoing operations against enemy warships.
He was alluding to the presence of the U.S. Navy, including an aircraft carrier, located in the northern Red Sea.
Since March 15, the U.S. military has resumed airstrikes targeting areas held by the Houthis in northern Yemen, aiming to deter the group from conducting attacks on Israeli interests, the U.S. Navy, and vital shipping routes in the region.
On Monday, new U.S. airstrikes resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left a child injured in Bani Qa'is within Yemen's northwestern province of Hajjah, according to residents and local health authorities.
