US MQ-9 Reaper crashed in Marib desert

MARIB, May 18 (YPA) –  A US-made MQ-9 Reaper drone crashed in a desert area of Wadi Ubayda, east of the city of Marib, an area controlled by factions affiliated with the Islah Party.

According to pro-Saudi media outlets on Monday, the aircraft went down near the Safer–Abr road late Sunday amid reports that it may have been struck by a guided missile fired by air defense systems linked to Sanaa forces.

The reports stated that the drone had been conducting reconnaissance missions over Marib airspace prior to the incident. However, no official statement has been issued by authorities in Sanaa confirming or denying responsibility for the crash.

Witnesses said fires erupted in parts of the wreckage, with debris scattered across a wide desert area following the incident.

AA