TEHRAN (Defapress) - The spokesman for the Yemeni armed forces stated in a statement: "By the grace of God, the air defense of the Yemeni armed forces succeeded in shooting down an American MQ-9 drone while it was carrying out hostile missions in the sky of the Al-Bayda province."
The operation to shoot down this drone was carried out with a domestically made surface-to-air missile.
Over the last twenty years, Washington has depended on the advanced MQ-9 drones to enhance its aerial supremacy, utilizing them in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as for targeted killings worldwide.
These drones are distinguished by their versatility in executing various operations, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and engaging ground targets. They are outfitted with laser-guided missiles, sophisticated radar systems, and the ability to transmit data to other aircraft or ground control stations.
This is the 13th drone that our defense systems have shot down during the "Promised Conquest and Holy Jihad" battle in support of Gaza. The chronology of all operations the Yemeni armed forces shot down the MQ-9 drones is below:
On November 8, 2023, Yemeni forces successfully brought down the first MQ-9 drone within Yemeni territorial waters while it was engaged in reconnaissance and hostile operations in support of Israel.
On February 19, 2024, a second drone was shot down in Al-Hudaydah, with video evidence demonstrating precise targeting and destruction.
On April 26, 2024, a third drone was downed in Saadah province during hostile activities.
On May 16, 2024, the fourth MQ-9 was destroyed over Marib province, underscoring Yemen's determination in its declared conflict.
On May 21, 2024, a fifth drone was eliminated over Al-Bayda province.
On May 29, 2024, the sixth drone was intercepted in Marib, accompanied by detailed footage of its targeting and destruction.
On August 4, 2024, another MQ-9 was brought down in Saadah province.
On September 7, 2024, Yemeni defenses successfully downed an eighth drone over Marib.
On September 10, 2024, a ninth drone was shot down in Saadah.
On September 16, 2024, the tenth drone was intercepted in Dhamar province.
On September 30, 2024, an eleventh MQ-9 was brought down in Saadah.
On November 8, 2024, a twelfth drone was shot down over Al-Jawf province.
On December 28, 2024, the thirteenth drone was intercepted in Al-Bayda.