Yemen’s Houthi forces claim they shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet in Yemeni airspace.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree made the claim, according to foreign media reports.
He said the incident took place near Jabal Hailan in Yemen’s northeastern Marib province.
Houthis Claim Use of Locally Made Missile
Saree claimed Houthi forces used a locally developed surface-to-air missile to target the Saudi aircraft.
He said the Saudi F-15 was carrying out military operations in Marib’s airspace.
The spokesman also accused Saudi forces of supporting operations to increase their military presence in Marib.
Ansar Allah, the Houthi movement’s political organization, also claimed responsibility for shooting down the Saudi fighter jet.
Its spokesman said the F-15 took part in what he described as hostile operations in Marib.
Saudi Arabia Has Not Confirmed Claim
Saudi authorities have not immediately confirmed the Houthi claim.
The Saudi-led coalition has also not issued an immediate comment on the reported incident.
The claims come as air operations and cross-border attacks between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis have intensified, according to media reports.
Houthi Drone Incident Near Mecca
The latest claim follows another reported incident involving the Houthis and Saudi Arabia.
On Tuesday, the Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted a Houthi drone south of Mecca.
Coalition spokesman Turki Al-Malki said the drone was destroyed before it entered prohibited airspace around the holy city.
He described it as the second reported Houthi attempt to target Mecca. He also referred to a ballistic missile launch in July 2017.
Meanwhile, warning sirens sounded in Saudi cities including Jazan, Abha and Khamis Mushait on Tuesday night.
The alerts warned of possible attacks. Authorities later lifted the warnings.
