Yemeni Forces Down American MQ-9 Reaper Drone over Sa'ada
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Yemen’s Armed Forces have shot down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone over Sa'ada province, marking the latest in a series of retaliatory actions as the conflict in Gaza intensifies.
The Yemeni Armed Forces (YAF) announced the successful downing of an American MQ-9 Reaper drone, which was conducting hostile activities over the northwestern province of Sa'ada.
Yahya Saree, spokesperson for the Yemeni forces, stated in a televised address on Monday that the unmanned aerial vehicle was struck by a locally developed surface-to-air missile.
Saree noted that this incident marks the eleventh such drone Yemen has downed since the beginning of its operations in support of Palestinians in Gaza amidst ongoing Israeli military operations.
He added that, on Saturday, Israeli forces, with US backing, launched 17 airstrikes targeting civilian infrastructure, including sea ports and power plants in Yemen’s Hudaydah province.
The attacks left five people dead and 57 others injured, according to Saree.
He condemned the attacks, stating that they would not dissuade the Yemeni people from fulfilling their "religious, humanitarian, and moral obligations" to support the Palestinian and Lebanese populations.
"This crime will be met with further retaliatory actions by the Yemeni Armed Forces," Saree warned, indicating plans to intensify operations in response.
Saree also referenced a similar incident on September 16, when Yemeni forces downed another US MQ-9 Reaper drone over the southwestern province of Dhamar.
Since Israel's genocidal offensive on Gaza began on October 7, 2023, Yemen has declared unwavering support for Palestine.
The Yemeni Armed Forces have vowed to continue their strikes until Israel’s ground and aerial assaults on Gaza cease.