Yemen’s Houthi movement has claimed that its forces shot down a Saudi F-15 over Marib province.
The group said the Fighter Jet was targeted with a locally manufactured air-to-air missile. However, the claim has not been independently verified.
Saudi authorities had not publicly confirmed losing an F-15 at the time of the reported announcement.
Houthis Claim F-15 Was Targeted Over Marib
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree announced the claim on Wednesday. He said the aircraft was operating over Yemen’s Marib province when Houthi forces targeted it.
Saree described the aircraft’s activities as supporting Saudi-backed military forces operating in the area.
He claimed Houthi forces used a locally produced missile to bring down the aircraft.
No independent evidence confirming the reported loss of the Fighter Jet was cited in the provided information.
Saudi officials had also not confirmed the Houthi account at the time of reporting.
Houthis Make Additional Claims About Saudi Air Operations
Saree also claimed Saudi forces had conducted around 450 airstrikes in Yemen. He further alleged that Houthi air defenses confronted Saudi F-15 and Typhoon formations.
According to Saree, those aircraft were searching for the reportedly downed jet.
These claims also come from the Houthi side and require independent verification.
Claim Follows Drone Incident Near Makkah
The announcement came shortly after Saudi Arabia reported intercepting a Houthi drone south of Makkah.
Saudi authorities said the drone was destroyed before entering the holy city’s restricted airspace.
Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki described the reported incident as a serious security threat.
He said protecting Saudi Arabia’s holy sites and pilgrims remained a key priority.
The Houthis rejected Saudi allegations that their forces had attempted to target Makkah. Saree said Houthi operations were aimed at Saudi military and oil infrastructure.
He denied that the group was targeting Islamic holy sites.
Yemen Conflict Sees Renewed Escalation
The reported Fighter Jet incident comes amid renewed fighting in Yemen’s long-running conflict. Recent hostilities have increased around strategically important areas near the Red Sea.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait has become particularly important because it is a major maritime trade route.
Recent reports have also described Houthi advances around strategic locations along Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
Such developments have raised concerns about commercial shipping and regional energy transportation.
Humanitarian Situation Remains Serious
The renewed fighting is also placing additional pressure on Yemen’s humanitarian situation. Recent reports cited in the reference material say more than 100,000 people have been displaced.
Security problems and damaged infrastructure have also made humanitarian access more difficult.
The reported downing of the Saudi aircraft remains an unverified Houthi claim.
In other news read more about: Alleged Houthi Drone Attack on Makkah Foiled, Saudi Coalition Vows Firm Response
Further confirmation from Saudi authorities or independent sources would be needed to establish what happened to the aircraft.
