Incident Overview
A U.S. Air Force MQ-9 drone crashed in Yemen early Friday, contradicting earlier reports that it had crashed off the coast. The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for shooting down the drone. The incident marks the third time since November that an MQ-9 has been brought down by the Houthis.
Escalating Tensions
The drones in Yemen are part of U.S. efforts to defend against Houthi attacks on commercial and military ships. The Houthis have targeted over 100 vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, citing protests against U.S. support for Israel. However, many of the ships attacked have no ties to Israel.
Countermeasures and Operations
To combat Houthi aggression, the U.S. and the United Kingdom have conducted joint airstrikes to diminish Houthi capabilities in Yemen. Operation Prosperity Guardian, involving over 20 partner nations, aims to safeguard commercial ships from Houthi attacks. Despite these efforts, attacks persist, with the recent launch of an anti-ship missile into the Gulf of Aden.
Protective Measures
The U.S. military remains vigilant, conducting self-defense strikes against Houthi threats. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh emphasized the commitment to safeguarding commercial shipping routes in the region and protecting U.S. forces from potential Houthi aggression.
Eleanor Watson, CBS News reporter, covers developments at the Pentagon.