Yemen Downs US MQ-9 Drone and Targets Groton Ship in Gulf of Aden
The Yemeni Armed Forces have declared the downing of an American MQ-9 drone and the targeting of the Groton ship in the Gulf of Aden.
In an official statement, the Armed Forces revealed that their air defense units successfully shot down an American MQ-9 drone using a domestically produced surface-to-air missile while the drone was conducting hostile activities over Saada province. This drone is the seventh of its kind to be downed during the ongoing “Promised Victory” and “Sacred Jihad” in support of Gaza.
Furthermore, the Armed Forces announced that, as part of the fourth phase of escalation in the maritime operations area, the naval forces and missile units executed a joint military operation. This operation targeted the Groton ship in the Gulf of Aden with multiple ballistic missiles, achieving precise hits, by the grace of Allah.
The statement clarified that the targeting of the ship was due to the owning company’s violation of the decision prohibiting entry to the ports of occupied Palestine.
The Yemeni Armed Forces also commended the valiant Palestinian resistance in Gaza for 300 days of resilience, heroism, and sacrifice in defense of the nation, its honor, dignity, and sanctities.
The Armed Forces affirmed their commitment to continuing military operations across various stages of escalation, asserting that these operations will not cease until the aggression stops and the blockade on the Palestinian people in Gaza is lifted.
Summary of MQ-9 Drone Targeting
One month after the commencement of the “Al-Aqsa Flood” battle, in a first-of-its-kind operation outside Yemeni territory, the Yemeni Air Force downed an American MQ-9 reconnaissance drone on November 8, 2023, while it was conducting hostile activities and surveillance in Yemen’s territorial waters. This action was part of Washington’s protection of the Zionist entity and its military support to the entity.
On February 19, the Armed Forces announced the downing of an American MQ-9 drone over Hodeidah province. On April 26, air defense forces successfully shot down another MQ-9 drone while it was carrying out hostile missions over Saada province. Additionally, drones were downed in Al-Bayda on May 21 and in Marib on May 17. Another MQ-9 drone was downed in Marib province on May 29 during hostile operations.
The MQ-9 drone is one of the latest and most significant American unmanned aerial vehicles, boasting highly advanced technological features. It measures 11 meters in length and 20 meters in wingspan, with an empty weight exceeding two tons, which can reach up to five tons. It can fly at altitudes of up to 45,000 feet and has a maximum speed exceeding 300 kilometers per hour.
The MQ-9 can fly over 2,000 kilometers without refueling and can operate in harsh weather conditions for over 40 consecutive hours. The US military named this drone the “Reaper” to reflect its high capability in destroying targets and executing precise attacks. It can carry up to eight laser-guided missiles and 16 Hellfire missiles.
Equipped with an advanced radar system that transmits data to multiple aircraft or ground locations, the MQ-9 is also fitted with infrared cameras and high-precision sensors that can scan an area from all directions within a 360-degree diameter.
The US military purchases this drone from General Atomics at over $32 million, according to American reports. However, its cost, along with additional weapons and equipment, exceeds this amount and is sold to several countries at a higher price.
Due to its intelligence and offensive capabilities, the US military relies heavily on this drone in many of its critical and sensitive operations for surveillance, information gathering, target striking, and battlefield support. The American media has boasted about its use in the assassination of martyr Qassem Soleimani.