On 9/9, during a US House Oversight Committee hearing, Representative Eric Burlison released a video of an MQ-9 Reaper drone tracking what appeared to be a spherical object off the coast of Yemen on 30/10/2024.

"You'll see a second MQ-9, not shown in this video, fire an AGM-114 Hellfire missile at the object," Burlison said before playing the 50-second video.

The drone's display shows "LRD LASE DES", indicating it was both recording and laser-designating the target for the other drone. The AGM-114 appears to hit the object, causing some debris to fly off, but the missile doesn't explode and continues on its trajectory. The object also continues moving after the impact.

While Burlison described the object as spherical, Joseph Trevithick, an editor at the US military publication War Zone, suggested it looked more cylindrical. "The target appears to tumble after the Hellfire impact, but it's unclear how much longer it remained airborne," Trevithick said.

Trevithick observed the object's relatively slow and stable trajectory, which allowed the MQ-9's sensors to track and designate it. "Optical effects make the object seem to be moving very quickly. However, the footage is consistent with targeting a subsonic cruise missile or suicide drone," he explained.

A US defense official stated they had "no information on the matter." US Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for US military operations in the Middle East, has not commented on the video.

Houthi-controlled area in Yemen. Graphics: AFP

The US has frequently deployed MQ-9 drones near or within Yemeni airspace, especially since the Houthi attacks on ships transiting the region began in November 2023. The Yemeni armed group claims to have downed over 20 US Reapers in the past two years, while US officials acknowledge losing at least 17.

Nguyen Tien (According to War Zone, AFP, AP)