Houthis say they downed another US-made MQ-9 Reaper drone

The Houthi rebel group claimed on Monday to have successfully shot down another American-made MQ-9 Reaper drone, with videos circulating online showing what appeared to be a surface-to-air missile striking the drone, followed by flaming wreckage scattered on the ground.

The U.S. military has not yet responded to the Houthis’ assertion of downing the drone in Yemen’s southwestern Dhamar province. While the Houthis have been known to exaggerate claims, particularly in their recent attacks on shipping in the Red Sea amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, this latest incident has gained credibility due to the online footage that emerged. Unlike previous instances, where no evidence accompanied similar claims, this time, the video depicts the moment of impact and the fiery aftermath.

In one of the videos, the militia can be seen gathered around the burning wreckage, with a propeller—similar to those used by the armed MQ-9 Reaper drone—clearly visible in the flames. One of the militia members attempts to pick up a piece of the metal debris but quickly drops it due to the intense heat.

Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree identified the drone as an MQ-9 Reaper, though he did not provide details on how this conclusion was reached. Saree also claimed this marked the third drone shot down by the group within the week, though previous announcements did not include such visual evidence. As of now, the U.S. military has not acknowledged the loss of any aircraft in the region.

The MQ-9 Reaper, costing approximately $30 million each, is a highly sophisticated military drone capable of flying at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet (15,240 meters) and remaining airborne for up to 24 hours. Both the U.S. military and the CIA have employed the Reaper in Yemen for intelligence, surveillance, and targeted operations over the years.

This incident marks another escalation in the region’s already tense atmosphere, with drone warfare playing a pivotal role in the conflict. As the Houthis continue to assert their capabilities, the international community watches closely to see how these developments may impact the broader geopolitical dynamics in the area.