DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - Yemeni Houthi rebels have shot down another U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone in Yemen, marking the third such incident this month alone. The drone was targeted with a surface-to-air missile in a desert region of Yemen's central Marib province, as seen in footage released by the Houthis.

Images analyzed by The Associated Press revealed the MQ-9 drone lying on its belly in the barren desert, with its tail assembly disconnected. Although one hatch appeared to have been opened after the landing, the drone remained largely intact without clear signs of blast damage. Notably, the drone did not display any discernible markings.

Authorities in Marib, which is controlled by Yemen's exiled government allies, did not officially acknowledge the presence of the downed drone. The CIA is also believed to have operated Reaper drones in Yemen, both for monitoring the war and targeting al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula. However, the CIA declined to comment on the incident.

Marib province has seen previous instances of U.S. drones being brought down as it holds strategic importance in Yemen's ongoing conflict. Located 120 kilometers (75 miles) east of the capital city of Sanaa, Marib sits at the edge of the Arabian Peninsula's Empty Quarter Desert and plays a crucial role in the outcome of the long-standing war.

Since the start of Yemen's civil war in 2014, the U.S. military has lost at least five drones to the Houthi rebels. There have been two other suspected shootdowns of Reaper drones this month, though they have yet to be officially confirmed by the American military.

In recent months, the Houthis have increased their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, demanding that Israel end the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where more than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed. The war initiated after Hamas-led militants launched an attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties and the hostage-taking of around 250 individuals.

According to the U.S. Maritime Administration, the Houthis have launched over 50 attacks on shipping since November, including the seizure of one vessel and sinking of another. As a result, shipping activity in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden has significantly declined due to the growing threat.

On Wednesday, Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree admitted to the rebels' attack on the bulk carrier Laax on Tuesday. Saree claimed a number of other assaults on vessels that have yet to report such incidents, although no evidence was provided to support these claims. It is worth noting that Saree has previously exaggerated Houthi attacks.