In an escalation that underlines the growing tension in the region, the Hutis rebels have knocked down their sixth DRON MQ-9 reaper Since last March 3. The last incident occurred on Yemeni territory and was documented in a video broadcast by the Hutíes themselves, where the unmanned plane is observed being followed by an optical system and reached by an anti -aircraft missile.
Shortly after, images of the remains on land were published, confirming their destruction. Pentagon sources consulted by Associated Press and Fox News verified the demolition.
According to Jennifer Griffin, Fox defense correspondent, five of these six drones have been dejected since the US central command. He intensified his bombings on huti positions as of March 15. Despite more than a month of uninterrupted attacks, the Rebel Group continues to launch missiles against Israel and maintaining its ability to tear down American high -value aircraft.
MQ-9 Reaper, a strategic drone for the United States
He MQ-9 Reaper, considered a strategic asset for surveillance and attack tasksis scarce within the United States military arsenal. In December 2024, there were 230 active units, a number that begins to be insufficient in the face of current loss rhythm and the growing operational demand.
From the beginning of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in October 2023, the Hutíes have shot at least 16 of these drones. Although US air attacks have caused the death of up to 80 Hutíes officers, the group’s dome, as well as their missile launch capabilities, remain operational.
Faced with this scenario, the analysts agree that only a land intervention would change radically The balance However, they now rule out a large -scale offensive by Washington, considering the punctual employment of special forces to coordinate future operations.
Iran retires from Yemen
In parallel, Iran would have ordered the withdrawal of their Yemen military advisors to avoid direct confrontation with the United States in case of casualties. From Tehran, it is recognized that the rebel group could lose its influence in the short term, which would lead to rethinking its role within the regional resistance axis, traditionally linked to figures such as Hassan Nasrallah and Bashar al-Assad.
The situation in Yemen, far from stabilizing, continues to show the limits of air intervention and the resilience of local armed groups on an increasingly volatile regional board.