The U.S. military confirmed that Yemen's Houthi rebels shot down two American MQ-9 Reaper drones within a week, further escalating tensions in the region as the Israel-Hamas war continues. The first drone was downed on September 10 and the second on September 17, with video evidence showing the wreckage in Dhamar province. Despite Houthi claims of downing ten drones since the conflict's onset, U.S. officials, including Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, deemed this figure inaccurate for operational security reasons. The Houthis have expanded their operations to target maritime vessels in the Red Sea, jeopardizing a vital trade route worth approximately $1 trillion. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant military and humanitarian implications, as U.S.-led airstrikes continue against Houthi positions amid their aggressive campaign. The MQ-9 Reaper is a significant asset for U.S. military operations, capable of conducting various missions but now increasingly vulnerable in the volatile environment of Yemen.