Houthis' Targeting of MV Groton and U.S. Drone Intensifies Conflict

The Yemen-based Iran-aligned Houthi movement claimed responsibility for attacking the MV Groton vessel in the Gulf of Aden and downing a U.S. MQ-9 drone over northern Saada province. These are the first attacks since Israel's retaliatory airstrike against the group on July 20 in the port of Hodeidah.

The Yemen-based Iran-aligned Houthi movement announced on Sunday that it had targeted the MV Groton vessel in the Gulf of Aden and successfully downed a U.S. drone, identified as an MQ-9, over Yemen's northern Saada province.

These assaults represent the first claimed attacks by the Houthis since Israel conducted a retaliatory airstrike against the group in the port of Hodeidah on July 20.

The escalating violence marks a significant uptick in hostility in the region and adds further complexity to the ongoing conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)