The Shiite Houthi movement has released images claiming to show the wreckage of an American MQ-9 Reaper drone shot down in northern Yemen on September 30.
$30 Million Loss
The U.S. military has confirmed that one of their drones was indeed lost, although they have not provided further details.
The MQ-9 Reaper, a sophisticated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, is used extensively by the U.S. military in operations across the Middle East, according to WP.
Priced at approximately $30 million, the Reaper is designed for both reconnaissance and strike missions, boasting a range of impressive capabilities.
It can reach speeds of over 400 km/h (about 248 mph) and operate at altitudes up to 15,000 meters (49,213 feet). Its payload capacity allows for reconnaissance equipment or weapons weighing up to 1,750 kg (3,858 lbs), which includes bombs and air-to-ground missiles such as the AGM-114 Hellfire.
Backed by Iran
The Houthi rebels have previously downed similar UAVs, showcasing their growing military capabilities.
They have often targeted maritime trade routes in the Red Sea, contributing to regional instability. The Houthi movement is backed by Iran and is aligned with groups like Hamas and Hezbollah in their opposition to Israel.
In a video accompanying the release, Houthi forces are seen collecting the drone's surviving electronics, likely hoping to repurpose them for their military objectives.
Notably, images include a fragment of a bomb believed to be an MK-82, suggesting the drone was armed at the time of its destruction.
