Statements from US military or defense department or credible defense news sources

Houthis Down Sixth $30 Million U.S. MQ-9 Reaper Drone in Yemen's Marib

May 29, 2024, 11:39 AM

The Yemeni armed forces, specifically the Houthis, have reportedly downed another American MQ-9 Reaper drone in Yemen's Marib province, near the Al-Alam frontline. This marks the sixth such drone to be shot down by the Houthis. The drone, which costs approximately $30 million, was reportedly in nearly perfect condition after it fell. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for the downing and have announced a press conference to address the incident. The American side has suggested that the drone might have been lost due to technical problems. The drone is equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance systems, and images show Houthis posing with the drone, some with their slippers on top of it.