Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Claim Downing of U.S. MQ-9 Drone Amid Rising Tensions

Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed the downing of another U.S. MQ-9 drone over Marib province. Despite lacking evidence, the US conducted airstrikes in response. The escalating conflict, exacerbated by the Israel-Hamas war, has seen increased attacks on maritime vessels, including a Greek-flagged oil tanker now stranded in the Red Sea.

Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed early Sunday that they shot down another American-made MQ-9 drone flying over the country. This marks a potential new downing of the multimillion-dollar surveillance aircraft.

The US military, in response, conducted airstrikes over Houthi-controlled territory, though it hasn't confirmed the drone's loss. The Houthis have a history of downing General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper drones since capturing Yemen's capital, Sanaa, in 2014, with attacks increasing since the Israel-Hamas war began.

A prerecorded video by Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed the drone was downed over Marib province. This area, rich in oil and gas fields, has been contested since 2015. The US, meanwhile, has continued its air campaign against Houthi targets.

(With inputs from agencies.)