Houthis shoot down US MQ-9 Reaper drone

The Yemeni Houthis shot down a high-altitude US MQ-9 Reaper reconnaissance and strike drone with the help of an Iranian anti-aircraft missile drone.

Here's What We Know

According to Al Arabia, the UAV was shot down on the border of the Yemeni province of Hodeidah. Houthi representatives released a video of the interception, confirming that the drone was hit.

A US Department of Defence spokesperson confirmed that the MQ-9 drone lost contact while performing missions as part of Operation Poseidon Archer, aimed at the Houthis.

Judging by the published footage, the Houthis used the 358 anti-aircraft missile drone, which Iran is actively supplying to the group. This munition uses a barrage concept that allows it to hit air targets without the need for radar or centralised control.

The 358 missile is equipped with a variable thrust liquid-fueled jet engine that allows it to stay in the air for a long time, and is guided by an infrared homing head that automatically captures heat-contrasting objects.

The downing of the MQ-9 Reaper is the latest in a series of attacks on US drones in Yemen that began in 2019 after Iran began supplying the Houthis with advanced anti-aircraft equipment.

Source: Al Arabia