Houthis' Attacks on US Drones and Ships Escalate Conflict

Houthi militants have shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone near Yemen, marking the second time they have downed such a drone. The US has designated the Houthis as a global terrorist organization, and tensions have been rising in the region with consistent missile and drone deployments. The Pentagon confirmed the drone was taken down by a surface-to-air missile and stated that an investigation is ongoing. The US conducted self-defense strikes against the Houthis, including targeting an unmanned underwater vessel, amid calls for Iran to exert influence over the militants to ease tensions.