The conflict in Yemen has taken a significant turn, with the Houthi rebels claiming to have shot down a US military-operated MQ-9 Reaper drone in Marib Governorate.
According to the Houthi military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, the rebels used a surface-to-air missile to bring down the drone, which was carrying out “hostile actions” in the region.
Key Details:
- Drone Specifications: The MQ-9 Reaper drone is a high-altitude, long-endurance aircraft capable of flying up to 50,000 feet with an endurance of 24 hours. Each drone costs around $30 million apiece.
- Houthi Attacks: The Houthis have been targeting shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, demanding Israel ends its war in Gaza. They have launched over 50 attacks on shipping, seized one vessel, and sunk another since November.
- US Response:
- The US military has not immediately acknowledged the incident, but the Houthis have a history of shooting down US drones, with at least five drones lost since 2014.
- Regional Tensions:
- The incident has escalated tensions in the region, with concerns about the impact on global shipping and trade .
Background:
The Yemen conflict has been ongoing for years, with the Houthi rebels facing off against a Saudi-led coalition. The recent surge in attacks on merchant vessels and drones has added a new layer of complexity to the conflict, with potential implications for global shipping and regional stability.
CJ Global’s Coverage:
CJ Global will continue to provide updates and analysis on the Yemen conflict as the situation develops. Stay tuned for further news and insights into this complex and ongoing crisis.
