The Houthi military spokesman said on April 26 that the U.S. UAV was shot down in the airspace of the Saada governorate “while it was carrying out hostile missions.”
The U.S. military did not comment on the drone, but U.S. broadcaster CBS News confirmed that an MQ-9, which costs about $30 million, “crashed” inside Yemen early on Friday and said an investigation is underway.
Since the beginning of the conflict in Gaza, the Houthis have shot down three U.S. attack drones: the first was downed in November, and the second in February.
The Iranian-made 358 missile is an advanced anti-aircraft interceptor with an electro-optical warhead.
This weapon system was first revealed by Iran in 2019. According to Israeli experts, this unique jet-powered weapon has been effective in downing UAVs, including an American MQ-9 Reaper over Yemen.
