Houthi rebels claim to down American drone amid escalating conflict
- The Houthi rebels reported the downing of an American MQ-9 Reaper drone in the Marib region as U.S. airstrikes intensified.
- U.S. airstrikes began in March 2025 after the Houthis threatened to target vessels associated with Israel.
- Ongoing hostilities demonstrate the escalating conflict between the Houthis and U.S. forces in the region.
Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed they shot down another American MQ-9 Reaper drone over the contested Marib region. This event occurred against the backdrop of intense U.S. airstrikes targeting the group, which began on March 15, 2025, following Houthi threats to target ships thought to be linked to Israel. The U.S. campaign has hit areas surrounding Sanaa, Yemen’s capital, and Saada, a Houthi stronghold, and has reportedly resulted in significant casualties among Houthi fighters. President Donald Trump addressed the situation, asserting that U.S. strikes have decimated Houthi forces and warning Iran of potential repercussions for supporting the rebels. The Houthis, however, assert they have successfully downed multiple drones, with recent claims suggesting they have downed 20 MQ-9s over time. The conflict escalates as both sides remain entrenched in their positions and engage with increasing levels of violence, considerably raising tensions in the region including heightened concerns over maritime security in the Red Sea where Houthi threats against shipping have increased since late 2023.