Houthi rebels claim they shot down a Saudi fighter jet, deny attack near Mecca

September 16, 2026

Sana’a/Riyadh: Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed they shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over Yemen. The group rejected Saudi Arabia’s accusation that the Houthis had sent a drone toward Mecca.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarie said the Saudi fighter jet was shot down by a locally produced surface-to-air missile over Marib Governorate. This claim has not been independently verified.

Saudi claims to intercept drone near Mecca

The Houthis’ claim came hours after Saudi Arabia said its air defense system intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca.

Saudi-led coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said the security of Mecca and other holy sites is a “red line.”

Houthis Call Allegations False

Houthi official Hazem al-Assad rejected Saudi Arabia’s accusation that the group had targeted Mecca. He called the claim false.

The Houthis maintain that their military operations are against Saudi military bases and other targets, not against Islamic holy sites.

Tensions Escalate Between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis

This development comes amid rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels. In recent days, the Houthis have claimed to have attacked several targets in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi claims of intercepting a drone near Mecca and the Houthis’ claim of shooting down a Saudi fighter jet have further escalated tensions in the region.