THE forces of Yemen’s Houthi-led government claimed yesterday that they shot down another United States MQ-9 Reaper drone.

This came even as the US kept up its intense bombing campaign against the country.

The reported shoot down over Yemen’s Marib governorate came as air strikes struck Sanaa, the country’s capital, and Saada.

US President Donald Trump issued a new warning to Yemeni forces, describing them as having “been decimated” by the campaign of strikes that began on March 15.

President Trump said: “Many of their fighters and leaders are no longer with us. 

“We hit them every day and night — harder and harder. Their capabilities that threaten shipping and the region are rapidly being destroyed.

“Our attacks will continue until they are no longer a threat to freedom of navigation.”

Yemen claims to have felled a drone in Marib governorate, home to oil and gas fields still under the control of allies to Yemen’s former government, now based in exile.

Brigadier General Yahya Saree, a Yemeni military spokesman, separately claimed downing the MQ-9 drone with “a suitable locally manufactured missile.”

The US military said it was aware of reports of the downing of a Reaper, but declined to comment further.

The Reaper drones are thought to cost $30 million (£23m) apiece.