The Yemeni Armed Forces’ Air Defense Force successfully downed a U.S. MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) over Hodeida Governorate, Brigadier General Yahya Sarie announced early Thursday.

According to Sarie, the drone was targeted with a domestically manufactured surface-to-air missile while it was violating Yemeni airspace and conducting hostile operations.

“This is the second drone our air defenses have downed within 72 hours and the 17th throughout the Battle of the Promised Victory and the Sacred Jihad in support of Gaza,” Sarie declared.

The Brigadier General reaffirmed Yemen’s determination to defend its airspace against enemy incursions and emphasized that the armed forces would continue their operations in support of Gaza.

“The Yemeni Armed Forces affirm their continued efforts to confront all enemy attempts to undermine our country’s sovereignty. They, along with the great Yemeni people, will continue their operations in support of Gaza, and these operations will not cease until the aggression against Gaza stops and the siege is lifted,” Sarie stressed.

This latest development highlights the growing resistance against foreign incursions in Yemeni airspace as well as the unwavering stance of Yemen in the ongoing regional struggle. (ILKHA)