Iran-backed Houthi insurgents have once again demonstrated their ability to strike at American assets by shooting down another MQ-9 Reaper combat drone valued at approximately $30 million.
This latest incident marks a concerning escalation, occurring less than three months after the previous downing of a Reaper drone by the Houthis off the coast of Yemen.
Confirmation from two US officials to Business Insider affirms the destruction of the American drone by a surface-to-air missile deployed by the Houthi rebels.
In a provocative display, the insurgents also released video footage showcasing the missile’s impact and the wreckage of the downed drone, claiming it as a $30 million US military asset.
The pattern of attacks underscores the persistent threat posed by the Iranian-backed rebels to US military operations in the region. Prior to this recent incident, the Houthis had successfully targeted an MQ-9 Reaper with a surface-to-air missile in June 2019.
In total, at least four drones have been lost to shootdowns by the rebels since 2017, reflecting the ongoing challenge faced by US forces operating in Yemen.
The MQ-9 Reaper, a formidable unmanned aerial vehicle, serves as a vital tool for the collection of intelligence and execution of precision strikes by the US military. Equipped with Hellfire missiles and precision bombs, its loss represents not only a significant financial setback but also a potential compromise of strategic capabilities in the region.