Tel Aviv: The Houthi rebels in Yemen, an Iranian proxy, have again shot down a US MQ – 9 Reaper UAV. Israeli sources said that the advanced UAV was shot down by the Iranian-made 358 missile, also known as Saqr (Hawk).

The Houthi military spokesman said on April 26 that the US UAV was shot down in the airspace of the Saada governorate “while it was carrying out hostile missions”.

The US military did not comment on the drone, but US broadcaster CBS News confirmed that an MQ-9, which costs about $30m, “crashed” inside Yemen early on Friday and said an investigation is under way.

Since the beginning of the conflict in Gaza, the Houthis have shot down three US attack drones: the first was downed in November, and the second was in February.

The Iranian-made 358 missile, is an advanced anti-aircraft interceptor with an electro-optical warhead. This weapon system was first revealed by Iran in 2019.

According to the Israeli experts, this unique jet-powered weapon has been effective in downing UAVs, including an American MQ-9 Reaper over Yemen.