Pentagon Confirms MQ-9 Drone Loss Near Yemen

The Pentagon dismissed the Houthis’ claims that 10 drones had been shot down since last November.

An MQ-9 Reaper drone flies by during a training mission at Creech Air Force Base in Indian Springs, Nev., on Nov. 17, 2015. Isaac Brekken/Getty Images

The Pentagon has confirmed the loss of another MQ-9 Reaper drone near Yemen, following claims by Iran-backed Houthi rebels that they had downed multiple such aircraft in recent days.

“Yesterday, an MQ-9 did crash in the vicinity of Yemen. That is being investigated, but I don’t have any additional details to share,” Defense Department spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters at a Sept. 17 press briefing.