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An MQ-9 Reaper, an American surveillance and strike drone, was brought down by Houthi forces off the coast of Yemen, a US Defense official reported. This incident marks a continuation of the series of attacks targeting US assets in the Middle East amidst the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The downed drone, which has the capability to be equipped with missiles, represents a loss valued at approximately $32 million.
The downing of the Reaper drone by the Iran-aligned Houthis highlights the ongoing risks to US military hardware in the region. In recent times, US personnel have faced over 40 attacks from Iranian-supported groups, employing rockets and drones as their main armaments. These confrontations have resulted in injuries to 46 US service members, with more than 20 sustaining traumatic brain injuries.
The Houthis, engaged in a prolonged and intense civil war in Yemen against the recognized government, have extended their military actions to include attacks on US naval assets and have previously targeted Israeli positions.
