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Yemen Rebels Claim Saudi F-15 Jet Downed
17 Sep
Summary
- Houthi rebels claim to have shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet.
- The rebels stated a locally manufactured missile was used.
- The incident occurred over Marib Governorate in Yemen.
Houthi rebels asserted on Wednesday that they successfully shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over the Marib Governorate in west-central Yemen. The group released video footage purportedly showing a missile hitting the aircraft and wreckage subsequently inspected by their fighters. They claim the sophisticated, US-built jet was downed using a "locally manufactured surface-to-air missile" during alleged "hostile operations."
While CNN has not independently verified or geolocated the video, markings on a recovered tail fin in the footage appear consistent with Saudi F-15 aircraft, according to a retired US Air Force colonel. Saudi Arabia has not issued an official statement regarding the Houthi claims. This alleged incident occurs amid a broader regional escalation involving Iran and the United States, with the Iran-backed Houthis rapidly expanding their control in Yemen.
