Houthi Downs Second US MQ9 Drone in 72 Hours
In a recent statement, Houthi movement spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree announced their success in shooting down a US MQ9 drone over the territorial waters of Yemen, specifically in the Marib region. This marks a significant moment as it is the second drone they have managed to bring down within the last 72 hours.
Details About the Downed MQ9 Drone
According to reports from Mehrnews, the drone was shot down using a domestically produced missile by Yemen. Yahya Saree emphasized that the MQ9 drone they downed is the 14th one since the start of their operations to support Gaza. In his statement, he stressed the importance of resisting any efforts deemed to threaten the country’s sovereignty.
“We will continue our operations to support Gaza until the attacks in Gaza cease and the blockade is lifted,” he concluded. The MQ9 Reaper drone, each valued at around 30 million US dollars (about Rp 450 billion), is capable of flying at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet (15,240 meters) and can stay airborne for up to 24 hours before needing to land.
Since the start of the Israel regime’s attacks on Gaza on October 7, 2023, the people of Yemen have shown strong support for the Palestinian struggle. Yemen, through its armed forces, has affirmed that they will not cease their attacks until the actions of Israel in Gaza come to an end. This action is part of their support for Palestine facing Israeli occupation.
Recent US and UK Attacks on Yemen
Meanwhile, the latest attacks were carried out by US and UK fighter jets on Yemen on Tuesday (12/31/2024). According to reports from Press TV, the airstrikes took place in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, with a total of eight strikes targeting several strategic locations, including September 21 Park and May 22 Military Industrial Complex.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that their forces conducted precision strikes on multiple targets in Sanaa and other areas in Yemen within the last 24 hours. Mohammed Abdul-Salam, spokesperson for the Yemeni Ansarullah resistance movement, deemed the attacks a violation of the sovereignty of an independent country and emphasized the importance of Yemen defending itself from any form of aggression.
This ongoing conflict highlights the complex political and military dynamics at play in the region and underscores the deep-rooted tensions between various factions involved. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains crucial to monitor developments closely and strive for peaceful resolutions to avoid further escalation of hostilities.
