Synopsis
On April 23, the Houthis in Yemen claimed to have shot down a US MQ-9 drone over Hajjah and launched attacks on US aircraft carriers, escalating tensions amid ongoing airstrikes.Key Takeaways
- The Houthis shot down a US MQ-9 drone.
- They launched attacks on two US aircraft carriers.
- These incidents mark heightened tensions with the US military.
- The group has downed 22 drones since November 2023.
- Ongoing support for Palestinians remains a priority for the Houthis.
Sanaa, April 23 (NationPress) The Houthi movement in Yemen announced on Tuesday that they successfully downed a US MQ-9 drone in the northwestern province of Hajjah and have initiated renewed attacks on two US aircraft carriers.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea stated during a televised address on Houthi-operated al-Masirah TV, "We have brought down an enemy American MQ-9 drone while it was undertaking hostile operations in the airspace of Hajjah province."
"The drone was intercepted utilizing a locally produced surface-to-air missile," he elaborated, noting, "This marks the seventh drone we have downed this April and the 22nd since November 2023."
Sarea further indicated that the group executed fresh military actions against two US aircraft carriers, which have been conducting airstrikes against Houthi positions in northern Yemen since mid-March.
"We conducted two military operations aimed at the American carriers: the USS S. Harry Truman and the USS Carl Vinson, along with their accompanying warships in the Red and Arabian Seas, employing cruise missiles and drones," Sarea mentioned.
The Houthi spokesperson emphasized that the group is prepared to respond to the US military's escalation of airstrikes, as reported by Xinhua.
"We will continue to manage any developments responsibly and appropriately in the forthcoming days across all levels," he asserted, adding, "Our support for the Palestinians will persist until the Israeli aggression on Gaza ceases and the blockade is lifted."
Earlier on Tuesday, al-Masirah TV reported multiple US airstrikes targeting various sites throughout northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa. No casualties were reported, as the Houthis, who govern a significant portion of northern Yemen, rarely disclose their losses.
Relations between the Houthi faction and the US military have become increasingly strained since Washington resumed airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen on March 15 to deter the group from attacking Israel and US naval vessels.
