Yemen’s Houthi movement has released a video claiming that its forces shot down a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 fighter jet over the northeastern province of Marib, a key battleground in Yemen’s long-running conflict.
The four-minute video, shared by Houthi-affiliated media outlets, appears to show the alleged targeting of the aircraft, the reported strike, and the aftermath at a crash site. However, the claim has not been independently verified, and Saudi authorities have not issued any official statement confirming the loss of a fighter jet. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Video Shows Alleged Strike and Wreckage
The footage begins with what appears to be aerial tracking images captured at night. A missile launch is then shown, followed by a flash in the sky that the Houthis claim was the moment the aircraft was hit.
The video later shifts to scenes showing flames and thick smoke rising from what is presented as the crash location. Daylight footage follows, showing armed fighters examining burnt and twisted metal debris scattered across a rocky desert area.
Several close-up shots focus on aircraft parts that appear to carry markings resembling those used by the Royal Saudi Air Force. Houthi fighters are also seen celebrating around the wreckage.
Houthis Claim Use of Locally Developed Missile
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the aircraft was targeted while allegedly supporting military operations over Marib.
According to Saree, the jet was brought down using a “locally made air-to-air missile system”. He also accused the Saudi-led coalition of increasing its air operations across several Yemeni provinces during the past week.
The spokesman claimed that coalition aircraft carried out hundreds of airstrikes in areas including Taiz, Al-Jawf, Hajjah and Saada, although these figures could not be independently confirmed.
Tensions Rise After Drone Interception Near Mecca
The release of the video came shortly after another incident raised concerns across the region.
The Saudi-led coalition announced that its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed an explosive-laden drone before it could enter restricted airspace south of Mecca.
Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki described the attempted drone operation as a serious threat and said the security of the Two Holy Mosques and visiting pilgrims remains a “red line” for Saudi Arabia.
Houthis Reject Allegations
Houthi officials strongly denied accusations that they targeted Islamic holy sites.
Yahya Saree said Houthi military operations are directed at military and strategic targets and dismissed claims regarding attacks on holy locations as false.
The exchange of accusations highlights the continuing tensions between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition, despite periodic efforts to reduce hostilities in the region.
No Independent Confirmation Yet
At present, there is no independent verification that a Saudi F-15 fighter jet was shot down over Marib.
Neither the Saudi government nor coalition officials have publicly confirmed the loss of an aircraft. Defence analysts and military observers are continuing to examine the footage and available evidence.
Until official confirmation or independent verification emerges, the reported downing of the fighter jet remains a claim made by the Houthi movement.
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