Illustrative image.
The United States military lost another MQ-9 Reaper combat drone in Yemen on May 29, with reports indicating that it was shot down by the Houthis (Ansar Allah) over the northeastern province of Marib.
Two videos posted to social networks show the drone falling from the sky engulfed in flames after what appears to be a blast. The crash site appears in another video.
An M310 dual launcher used to fire Hellfire type missiles is seen in photos of the wreckage, confirming that the drone was most likely an MQ-9 and that it was armed.
Click to see full-size image. (X)
Click to see full-size image. (X)
MQ-9 drones, which cost upwards of $30 million per a unit, are primarily used to collect intelligence, but have the ability to conduct pinpoint strikes. The advanced drones can operate for more than 27 hours and reach altitudes of over 25,000 feet.
According to one recent report, the U.S. has lost more than two dozen such drones since the start of the war on Iran. The losses represent around 20 percent of the fleet in service, and worth upwards of $1 billion.
The Iran-backed Houthis possess fairly capable air defenses, from man-portable systems, to interceptors, and even medium-range anti-aircraft missiles. The group shot down many American MQ-9s during past confrontations, along with dozens of other types of combat drones.
This is the second MQ-9 to be shot down over Yemen during the current regional tensions caused by the American-Israeli war on the Islamic Republic.
The first drone was also shot down over Marib. The incident took place on May 17, and the Houthis also refrained from claiming responsibility in an official manner.
The Houthis likely shot down the American drones not just to support the Islamic Republic, but also to limit the U.S. military ability to conduct surveillance over Yemen.
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houthi reigns the skies
go houthis!
hehehehehe motherfucker!