A Houthi group claimed responsibility for shooting down a Saudi warplane near the city of Saada, according to a statement released by their media office. The attack occurred in the early hours of the morning, as reported by local news outlets. The warplane was part of a Saudi military operation in the region.
The Houthi statement said the attack targeted a Saudi military aircraft flying over the area. The incident comes amid ongoing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The attack is believed to have taken place in the northern part of the country, near the border with Saudi Arabia.
This is the second such incident in recent weeks. Earlier this month, a Saudi warship was damaged by a projectile, and another was sunk after hitting a sea mine. These attacks have led to a significant reduction in maritime traffic through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a key shipping route. The strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is critical for global trade.
The Houthi rebels have been fighting Saudi-led coalition forces in Yemen since 2015. The conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people affected by the war. The recent attacks highlight the continued escalation of hostilities in the region. The Saudi government has not yet commented on the incident.
