Another $30 million US drone destroyed off Yemen’s coast – CBS — RT World News
Military officials say the US Air Force has lost a total of three MQ-9 Reaper drones in the area since November.
The United States has lost another $30 million MQ-9 Reaper drone off the coast of Yemen, CBS News reported Friday, citing Pentagon officials. While the incident is still being investigated, the Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for shooting down the plane.
Previously, the US had lost two other Reaper aircraft to Iran-linked militants. One was shot down in November and another destroyed in February.
Yahya Sarie, spokesman for the Iran-linked group, also claimed on Saturday that militants targeted the site “British oil ship Andromeda Star” In the Red Sea with naval missiles, there was a direct hit.
The US military confirmed that the Houthis fired three anti-ship ballistic missiles in the area at multiple targets and damaged the British ship. “MV Andromeda Star reported minor damage, but continues its voyage.” US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a post on the X website, adding that the naval military coalition reported no casualties or damage.
The Houthis, who claim to be the Yemeni government, have been attacking Israeli ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since late October in response to the Israeli attack on Gaza. The militants pledged to continue their campaign until the Jewish state stops its attack on the Palestinian Strip.
The group has also carried out numerous attacks on ships linked to owners or operators in the United Kingdom or the United States following airstrikes launched by those countries on Houthi positions.
The militants announced on Wednesday that they had attacked the US ship Maersk Yorktown and an American warship in the Gulf of Aden, as well as the Israeli ship MSC Veracruz in the Indian Ocean. “Both operations successfully achieved their goals.” Sari said in a televised statement.
US authorities later confirmed the attacks, stating that US-led coalition forces off the coast of Yemen shot down four drones and an anti-ship missile fired by the Houthis.
Last month, the International Monetary Fund reported that trade through the Suez Canal saw a 50% decline during January and February due to Houthi attacks, as traffic through the region declined dramatically.
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