This marks the eighth MQ-9 drone downed by Yemeni forces during the ongoing conflict.

The MQ-9 Reaper, an advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used for intelligence gathering and strikes, was reportedly engaged in hostile activities when it was targeted by a homegrown surface-to-air missile.

The YAF confirmed that this latest downing occurred amid their military operations in support of Gaza.

This incident follows a similar downing last month when another MQ-9 was shot down while operating over the skies of Saada province. Yemeni military sources released footage of the wreckage after the operation, further asserting their ability to counter the technologically advanced UAV.

Since the YAF began its military support for Gaza, seven similar drones have been shot down by Yemeni air defenses. Notable incidents include the downing of an MQ-9 over Marib on May 29 and another on May 21 over al-Bayda province, both using locally-produced missiles.

Brigadier General Yahya Saree, spokesperson for the YAF, stated that Yemeni forces remain committed to defending their airspace against hostile operations, leveraging homegrown technology to neutralize aerial threats. (ILKHA)