Daijiworld Media Network - Sanaa

Sanaa, Sep 17: Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed that they shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over Marib province and released video footage purportedly showing the aircraft being targeted and its wreckage scattered across the desert. The claim has not been independently verified, and Saudi authorities have not confirmed the loss of an F-15.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the aircraft was brought down using what he described as a locally manufactured missile while it was conducting operations over Marib. He also claimed that Saudi aircraft had carried out more than 450 airstrikes across Yemen over the past week.

The video released by the Houthis, lasting about four minutes, shows footage purportedly depicting the targeting of the fighter jet, followed by nighttime scenes of a large fire and smoke.

Daylight footage later shows what the group identifies as aircraft debris, including a damaged vertical stabiliser bearing markings it says are consistent with a Saudi aircraft.

The footage also shows armed Houthi fighters around the reported wreckage and moving through desert terrain in pickup trucks.

The alleged shoot-down comes amid a renewed escalation between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities said their air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered restricted airspace over the holy city. The Houthis have denied targeting Mecca and rejected the Saudi allegation.

The latest exchanges come amid intensified fighting in Yemen and wider regional tensions. The Houthis have accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out airstrikes against their positions, while Saudi Arabia has reported attacks by the group on its territory.