Houthi Rebels Claim Downing of US Drone in Yemen Amid Rising Tensions

Yemen's Houthi rebels claim they downed a US MQ-9 drone, leading to American airstrikes in Houthi-controlled areas. The incident escalates tensions amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, with Houthis targeting shipping in the Red Sea. They justify operations as 'jihadist duties' in support of Palestinians and Yemen.

Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed early Sunday they shot down a US-made MQ-9 drone flying over the country. This marks another potential downing of the costly surveillance aircraft, escalating the conflict.

The US responded with airstrikes over Houthi-controlled territory, the rebels reported. Yet, the US military did not immediately confirm this claim. The Houthis have downed multiple MQ-9 Reaper drones since seizing Yemen's capital, Sanaa, in 2014. These incidents have surged amidst the Israel-Hamas war and the Houthis' Red Sea campaign targeting shipping, including vessels with no apparent ties to the conflict.

Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree alleged they downed the drone over Marib province. Additionally, Saree mentioned their jihadist duties in support of Palestinians and Yemen. The US has been conducting frequent airstrikes in Houthi areas since January. Recently, Houthis targeted over 80 merchant vessels, escalating tensions in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)