Drone Incident and Investigation
A U.S. Air Force MQ-9 drone crashed in Yemen on Friday, contrary to earlier reports suggesting it had crashed off the coast. A U.S. military official confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is currently underway. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries as a result of the crash.
Houthi Rebels’ Involvement
Iran-backed Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for shooting down the MQ-9 drone. This marks the third such incident involving MQ-9 drones being brought down by the rebels since November. Each drone, valued at approximately $30 million, was targeted by the rebels off the coast of Yemen.
U.S. Military’s Response
The U.S. military has been actively involved in defending commercial and military ships against ongoing attacks by the Houthis. Efforts include deploying drones over Yemen as part of a broader strategy to safeguard ships in the region.
International Countermeasures
To combat Houthi threats, the U.S., United Kingdom, and other nations have conducted joint airstrikes to neutralize Houthi capabilities in Yemen. Additionally, the U.S. launched Operation Prosperity Guardian with over 20 partner nations to protect commercial ships from potential Houthi attacks.
Current Situation and Future Plans
While the pace of attacks has lessened in recent weeks, Houthi aggression persists. Despite a recent attack involving an anti-ship ballistic missile, no injuries or damages were reported. The U.S. remains committed to safeguarding commercial shipping routes in the region and protecting its forces against potential threats.