Yemen’s Houthi rebels claim responsibility for shooting down U.S. MQ-9 drone.
OAN’s Elizabeth Volberding
6:15 PM – Wednesday, November 8, 2023
A United States MQ-9 drone was reportedly shot down by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, according to a spokesperson of the Yemeni Armed Forces.
On Wednesday, a spokesperson of the Yemeni Armed Forces made a statement on X, formerly Twitter, claiming that the MQ-9 drone was shot down in Yemeni airspace.
The Iran-backed Houthi forces claimed responsibility for the shootdown earlier on Wednesday.
U.S. MQ-9 drones carry out a broad variety of operations, which include intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, close air support, combat search and rescue, and more.
MQ-9s are armed and have the ability to perform air strikes if needed, using missiles and precision led munitions. The drones consistently operate in Yemen and have begun conducting procedures in Gaza.
A senior U.S military official disclosed that the drone was functioning in “international airspace over international waters.”
The official also stated that the incident is being looked into by U.S. Central Command.
The shootdown comes several weeks after the Houthis fired multiple missiles and drones at the USS Carney, a U.S. Navy warship, as it headed north across the Red Sea.
Over the course of nine hours, the ship shot down 15 drones, four cruise missiles, and their trajectory suggested that the projectiles were aimed towards Israel.
In recent weeks since Hamas’s initial attack on Israel, Iranian proxy groups have increased their attacks on U.S. military forces and assets in the Middle East.
Since October 17th, at least 40 attacks on U.S. and coalition bases in Iraq and Syria have occurred, according to officials. As a result, several U.S. service members have suffered minor injuries as well as traumatic brain injuries.
A senior defense official acknowledged Iran as “the center of gravity” regarding the attacks on U.S. forces in the area, claiming that “Iranian fingerprints are all over this.”
On October 26th, the U.S. retaliated by initiating airstrikes in Syria that were aimed at infrastructure used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its agents.
The Houthis claimed to have launched at least four groups of drones and missiles targeted toward southern Israel since October 7th. The organization operates the capital and the majority of northern and western Yemen, where most of the country’s population resides.
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rnrn
What is the significance of the MQ-9 Reaper UAVs launching out of Souda Bay, Crete and beginning surveillance missions in Gaza?
And then return to base. Today, I can confirm these tracks are MQ-9 Reaper UAVs launching out of Souda Bay, Crete, beginning surveillance missions in Gaza. Target? Unknown, but analysts suggest targeting Hamas militant positions. 📸: Taken Nov. 7 by @TsangImages pic.twitter.com/ONTOz4qHwB
— Aurora Intel (@AuroraIntel) November 7, 2023
The shootdown of the MQ-9 drone highlights the ongoing conflict between the Iran-backed Houthi rebels and the Yemeni government. Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since 2014, when the Houthi rebels took control of the capital, Sanaa, and other parts of the country, leading to a Saudi-led intervention in 2015. The conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with thousands of civilians killed and millions displaced.
The presence of U.S. drones in Yemen has been a contentious issue, with the Yemeni government accusing the United States of violating its sovereignty. However, the United States maintains that its drone operations in Yemen are part of its counterterrorism efforts against groups such as Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.
This latest incident comes amidst increasing tensions between Iran and the United States. The United States has accused Iran of supporting and arming the Houthi rebels, while Iran denies these allegations. The shootdown of the MQ-9 drone further exacerbates these tensions and raises concerns about the potential for further escalation in the region.
The loss of a $32 million drone is a significant blow to the United States, both in terms of financial cost and the potential loss of valuable intelligence-gathering capabilities. MQ-9 drones play a crucial role in providing real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, aiding in the fight against terrorism and supporting military operations.
It remains to be seen how the United States will respond to this incident. In the past, the United States has conducted retaliatory strikes in response to attacks on its assets or personnel. The shootdown of the drone may prompt the United States to take further military action or increase its support for the Yemeni government in its fight against the Houthi rebels.
As the conflict in Yemen continues to escalate, the international community must work towards finding a peaceful resolution. The ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Yemen cannot be ignored, and efforts must be made to address the root causes of the conflict and restore stability to the country.
In conclusion, the shootdown of a U.S. MQ-9 drone by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels further complicates the already tense situation in the region. It highlights the ongoing conflict in Yemen and the involvement of external powers such as Iran and the United States. The loss of the drone poses challenges for the United States in terms of intelligence gathering and raises concerns about potential escalation. The international community must take steps to address the conflict in Yemen and work towards a peaceful resolution.
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