Screen grab from the footage released by the Houthis.
On September 29, the Houthis (Ansar Allah) released footage showing the wreckage of a US Boeing Insitu ScanEagle 2 drone that was shot down by their air defenses over the central Yemeni province of Ma’rib two days earlier.
According to the Brig. Gen. Yahya Sari, a spokesman for the Yemeni group, the drone was shot down while it was conducting “hostile acts” over the district of Medghal.
The ScanEagle 2, which entered service with the US military in 2014, has a top speed of 148 km and an endurance of more than 16 hours. The drone is mainly used for reconnaissance missions. It is equipped with a day and night capable sensor, a fully digital video system and an advanced navigation system.
This was the fourth ScanEagle 2 drone to be shot down by the Houthis’ air defenses over Ma’rib this year.
- On June 20, the first drone was shot down over Sirwah district;
- On June 21, the second drone was shot down over Sirwah district;
- On August 14, the third drone was shot down Medghal district.
Earlier this year, the Biden administration claimed that it had ended “offensive” support for the Saudi-led war on Yemen. Nevertheless, the US appears to be using drones to spy on the Houthi-led offensive on Ma’rib city.
In the last few weeks, the Yemeni group and its local allies made significant gains to the south of Ma’rib city. Saudi-backed forces appear to be on the brink of complete collapse.
May God deliver the Houtis from US oppression 💪🙏
Garbage technology. Good for the Houthi’s.