Yemen's Houthis claim downing US MQ-9 drone

IANS April 14, 2025 146 views

The Houthi rebels in Yemen have claimed downing another US MQ-9 drone, marking their 19th such incident since November 2023. The drone was reportedly shot down using a locally manufactured surface-to-air missile in Hajjah province. The Houthis continue to support Palestinian resistance, linking their actions to the conflict in Gaza. The ongoing tensions have resulted in multiple US airstrikes across northern Yemen, with casualties reported on both sides.

"A US MQ-9 drone was shot down while carrying out hostile missions" - Yahya Sarea, Houthi Military Spokesperson
Sanaa, April 14: Yemen's Houthi group announced that it had shot down another US MQ-9 drone, the 19th it has downed since November 2023.

Key Points

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Houthis claim 19th drone downing since November 2023

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US resumes air campaign against Houthi forces

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Drone shot down in Hajjah province with local missile

"A US MQ-9 drone was shot down while carrying out hostile missions in the airspace of Hajjah province" in northwestern Yemen, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.

Sarea added that the drone was downed by a locally manufactured surface-to-air missile, stressing "the ongoing US aggression" has not crippled the group's military capabilities.

The statement affirmed the group's support for the Palestinian people, saying its operations will continue "until the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip stops and the siege on it is lifted."

The United States resumed its air campaign against Houthi forces on March 15, stating that its strikes were aimed at deterring the group from launching attacks against Israeli and US naval assets in the Red Sea.

Meanwhile, the death toll from fresh US airstrikes on the western outskirts of Yemen's capital Sanaa has risen to six, with 13 others injured, Houthi-run health authorities said in an updated statement.

The strikes targeted a ceramic factory in the Bani Matar district, said residents and the health authorities. The roar of fighter jets was reportedly heard across Sanaa before and after the airstrikes.

Separately, US warplanes carried out two additional strikes in the northern provinces of Marib and Al-Jawf, according to Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. It noted that the latest air raids have brought the total number of US airstrikes across northern Yemen throughout the day to 25.

The Houthis, who control vast areas of northern Yemen, have been attacking Israeli targets since November 2023 to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

Reader Comments

J
Jamal K.
This conflict keeps escalating and innocent people are paying the price. That ceramic factory strike sounds particularly concerning - were there civilians working there? 😔 We need more diplomacy, not more drones and missiles.
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Sarah T.
19 drones downed in 5 months? That's way more than I realized. The Houthis seem to have developed some serious anti-air capabilities. Makes you wonder how much this is costing the US taxpayers...
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Mike R.
While I understand the Houthi stance on Palestine, their methods are only making things worse for Yemenis. The country can't afford another prolonged conflict. Humanitarian crisis incoming if this continues.
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Aisha B.
The article mentions 25 airstrikes in one day - that's insane! 😳 The media needs to show more of the human impact on both sides. These numbers represent real lives being destroyed.
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Thomas L.
Respectful criticism: The article could provide more context about why the US considers these drones necessary. Are they purely for surveillance or offensive purposes? More balanced reporting would help.
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Nadia W.
Locally manufactured missiles taking down high-tech drones? That's some David vs Goliath energy. But at what cost to Yemen's development? The country needs schools and hospitals, not more weapons.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
Yemen Conflict Houthi Rebels US Drone Red Sea Tensions Gaza Support Military Engagement
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