Houthi Rebels Claim Third US Drone Downed in Yemen, Intensifying Attacks

Yemen's Houthi rebels released footage purporting to show the destruction of a US MQ-9 Reaper drone on Wednesday. This marks the third such downing in May alone, amidst escalating attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Yemen's Houthi rebels have intensified their attacks on shipping around the Red Sea over the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. On Wednesday, they released footage claiming to show the destruction of a US MQ-9 Reaper drone in a desert region of central Marib province. The footage, which could not be independently verified, shows the drone lying on its belly, its tail assembly disconnected.

This is the third reported downing of a US Reaper drone in Yemen this month. Images analyzed by The Associated Press confirm the authenticity of the footage, showing the drone's distinct profile and the date Wednesday inscribed on one image.

However, authorities in Marib, which remains held by allies of Yemen's exiled government, have not acknowledged the incident. A US defense official, speaking anonymously, stated that the US Air Force had not lost any aircraft within its area of responsibility. The CIA, which is also known to operate Reaper drones over Yemen, declined to comment.

The downing of the drone comes amidst escalating Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The rebels have launched more than 50 attacks and seized or sunk multiple vessels since November. These actions have disrupted shipping through the strategic waterway, forcing insurers to raise rates.

On Tuesday, Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree acknowledged the rebels' attack on the bulk carrier Laax. He also claimed responsibility for several other attacks on vessels that have not been reported, without providing evidence. Saree has been known to exaggerate Houthi attacks in the past.

The Houthis are demanding that Israel end the war in Gaza, which has killed more than 240 Palestinians. The war began in May after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel, killing multiple Israelis and taking hostages.

The escalation of Houthi attacks has raised concerns about the security of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The Houthis, who control most of Yemen's north, have a history of attacking US military and allied targets.

The US has provided billions of dollars in military aid to Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries fighting the Houthis. However, the conflict has reached a stalemate, with neither side able to achieve a decisive victory.

The downing of the third US drone this month is a reminder of the ongoing challenges in Yemen. The conflict has caused a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people facing starvation and displacement.