This Picture Does Not Depict an American Drone Recently Dropped by the Houthis
The Claim
The Yemeni armed forces shot down an American drone, one of the most powerful and proud American aircraft, in the Yemeni airspace near the Red Sea.
News posted on
Emerging story
Recently, a picture has gone viral on the social media platform X claiming to depict the Yemeni Armed Forces (the Houthis) shooting down an American drone within Yemeni airspace near the Red Sea.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the claim and found it to be misleading. Contrary to the circulated information, the mentioned picture is old and not related to the recent Houthi downing of an American drone. Additionally, there have been no credible reports confirming any incidents of American drones being downed.
Wreckage of a Reconnaissance Drone in Marib in 2022
The picture dates back to December 2022 and was initially published on the Ansarollah website, linked to the Houthi group. The Houthi faction claimed that this picture, along with other visuals, displayed the wreckage of a CH-4 reconnaissance drone belonging to the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, reportedly shot down in the Madghal directorate within the Marib province.
The Houthis Target Israeli Ships
The circulation of this claim coincided with intensified attacks by the Yemeni Houthi group on ships affiliated with Israel or those transporting goods to it in the Red Sea. These actions were in support of the people of Gaza, who have been facing Israeli aggression since October 7.
In response to these attacks, some global shipping companies have altered the routes of their vessels. The United States is leading a new naval task force to protect commercial freight traffic.
Iran has been accused of supplying the Houthis with weapons, funds, and assistance in identifying targets, among other forms of support, although Tehran denies these allegations.
U.S. Sanctions on Iranian Funds Earmarked for Supporting the Houthis
On Thursday, December 28, the United States announced the imposition of sanctions on an individual and three currency exchange houses. They were accused of facilitating the flow of Iranian financial assistance to the Houthi movement.
These sanctions involve freezing any assets owned by the targeted individuals and entities in the United States, and generally prohibit Americans from engaging in transactions with them. The Houthi group has not claimed responsibility for downing any recent American drone.
Read More
The NYPD Did Not Use a Water Cannon on Israel Supporters at JFK
This Video Does Not Depict an Israeli Ship Being Targeted by the Houthis
