US military confirms lost drone to Ansarullah fire over Yemen

The US military has lost an advanced drone over Yemen, American officials say, confirming earlier reports that the Ansarullah movement had downed a US-made MQ-9 Reaper attack drone.

Two military officials within the administration for President Donald Trump said Wednesday on condition of anonymity that the drone, which was shot down over Yemen's Dhamar governorate on late Tuesday, belonged to the US military.

One official said the drone was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile operated by the Ansarullah forces.

Another official said it was too early to say with certainty who was behind the attack.

US National Security Council spokesman Garrett Marquis rushed earlier in the day to point the finger at Iran, repeating the refuted claim that Tehran was providing the Ansarullah with advanced weaponry, including air defense missiles.

US Central Command also said that it was investigating the attack, with spokesman Lt. Col. Earl Brown also raising the same allegation.

An Ansarullah spokesman had made it clear on Tuesday that the missile was “developed locally.”

SS