Iran-backed Houthis shoot down third US Reaper drone since early March
The conflict in Yemen continues to escalate as reports emerge that Houthi rebels have successfully shot down another U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone. This incident marks the third such drone that the rebels have taken down since March 3rd, adding to the growing tensions in the region.
Despite the ongoing airstrikes conducted by the U.S. for the past 20 days, there has been a lack of updates from the Trump administration regarding the situation. The Pentagon has refrained from holding press briefings, and the Defense Department has remained tight-lipped about the ongoing strikes, leaving many questions unanswered.
In response to the attacks, President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to the Houthis, stating that if they stop shooting at U.S. assets, the U.S. will reciprocate by halting their strikes. The White House has emphasized the need to defend U.S. shipping assets and deter terrorist threats, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The State Department recently imposed sanctions on individuals and entities linked to a global illicit finance network that supports the Houthis. These measures were implemented following the first drone takedown in March, with the State Department citing weapons smuggling as the primary reason for the sanctions.
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz shed light on the airstrikes in an interview, likening the Houthi rebels to extremist groups like al Qaeda and ISIS. He highlighted the sophisticated weaponry supplied by Iran, emphasizing the importance of keeping sea lanes open for national security and international trade.
The MQ-9 Reaper drones, valued at approximately $30 million each, have become prime targets for the Houthis, with reports suggesting that they have shot down as many as 17 drones since October 2023. The U.S. currently possesses 230 MQ-9 Reaper drones, primarily used for intelligence gathering and equipped with laser-guided Hellfire missiles for combat operations.
As the conflict intensifies in Yemen, it is imperative to monitor the situation closely and assess the impact of these drone takedowns on U.S. military operations. The ongoing airstrikes and sanctions signal a deepening rift between the U.S. and the Houthi rebels, posing significant challenges for regional stability and security.
The information provided in this report is based on sources from Fox News, with contributions from Jennifer Griffin. Rachel Wolf, a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and FOX Business, has compiled this comprehensive overview of the escalating tensions in Yemen.
