Yemeni forces shoot down second American MQ-9 spy drone within 24 hours
The Yemeni Armed Forces have shot down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone, the second such aircraft targeted in the last 24 hours, and the 21st downed since the start of retaliatory operations against US interests and Israeli-affiliated vessels in support of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, said the country’s forces had downed the unmanned aerial vehicle, while it was conducting hostile activities in the skies over the country’s northwestern Sa’ada province.
“This marks the second drone of its kind downed in the last 24 hours, bringing to 21 the total [number of] drones intercepted during the Promised Conquest and Holy Jihad battle in support of Gaza,” he announced in a statement on Saturday.
Saree noted that an American spy drone was brought down with a homegrown Yemeni surface-to-air missile, and its downing constitutes the sixth of its type during the current month of April.
The aircraft, which is estimated to cost $33 million, reportedly has a range of 1,850 kilometers (1,150 miles) and an operational altitude of 7,600 meters (25,000 feet). It has been utilized by the US military and intelligence units over Yemen for several years.
“Continued US airstrikes and targeting of civilians as well as public and private facilities will not undermine the willpower of faithful Yemeni people, and will not dissuade them from continuing their struggle.
“This will further consolidate their steadfastness and unwavering support for oppressed Palestinians in the face of the genocidal war being waged by the Zionist enemy against our brethren and sisters in Gaza,” Saree pointed out.
He underlined that it is the Yemeni nation’s religious, moral, and humanitarian duty to demonstrate solidarity with Palestinians.
Yemenis have been hitting Israeli and American targets in support of Palestinians in Gaza since the regime launched its devastating war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, and in response to the American-British aggression on their homeland.
The operations have effectively shut down the Eilat port south of the occupied territories, causing significant economic setbacks for the Israelis.
The Yemeni Armed Forces have said they will not stop their attacks until Israel’s ground and aerial offensives in Gaza end, and the crippling siege against the Palestinian coastal territory is completely lifted.
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