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NBCJAN 31 2024
Pentagon: Houthis Shot Down US Reaper Drone
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The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The Houthis have carried out another unprovoked attack, but it's not comparable to the damage Yemeni terrorists have inflicted on international shipping in the Red Sea. So the US will continue operating in the area to protect the freedom of navigation and uphold the rule of law. The US is taking out Houthi drones every day and its strikes will continue until these terrorists are defeated and cease operations.
Establishment-critical narrative
This proves that US-led strikes against the Houthis are failing to deter their attacks and instead are boosting the Houthis' standing in the Arab world. The US is running out of options against the Houthis' asymmetric tactics, which have been well-tested by the last decade of war in Yemen. The best way to avoid expanding this conflict is a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza.