Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for shooting down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone in Dhamar province, marking the third drone downed in a week and the tenth since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Houthi spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree stated that the drone was engaged in 'hostile missions' and was struck using a locally produced surface-to-air missile. The U.S. military has not confirmed the loss of any drones, and previous Houthi claims have often been met with skepticism due to a lack of evidence. The MQ-9 Reaper, valued at approximately $30 million, has been extensively used by U.S. forces in Yemen. This incident underscores the ongoing tensions in the region, particularly as the Houthis have targeted over 80 vessels amid the escalating conflict. Despite Iran's denial of supplying arms, evidence of Iranian-made weaponry being used by the Houthis has been documented in multiple instances.