Houthis in Yemen claimed responsibility for shooting down a Saudi military aircraft over the province of al-Jawf, according to local media. The incident occurred during ongoing clashes between Yemeni rebels and Saudi-led coalition forces. The Houthis, a Shia group backed by Iran, have been fighting the Saudi-led coalition since 2015.
The Saudi military confirmed the aircraft was shot down, though it did not specify the type or origin of the missile used. The incident comes as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza, with officials stating they will maintain their offensive strategy. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated the government’s stance during a security meeting, emphasizing the need to counter threats from Hamas and other groups.
The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing for nearly a decade, with the Houthis seeking to establish control over the country. The Saudi-led coalition, which includes the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states, has been conducting airstrikes in support of Yemen’s government. The situation has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions of people in need of aid.
The shooting down of the Saudi jet adds to the volatility of the region, which is already experiencing heightened tensions between multiple parties. While the Houthis have claimed responsibility, Saudi officials have not yet commented on the incident. The international community continues to call for a resolution to the conflict, but progress remains elusive.
