DID Press: Yemen’s Houthi movement says its forces have shot down a Saudi F-15SA fighter jet and a Wing Loong 2 reconnaissance drone during separate operations over Yemen.
The group’s military spokesman, Yahya Saree, said the F-15SA was brought down over Yemen. Images released by Houthi-affiliated media purportedly show the wreckage of the aircraft, including a fuselage number 5529, which open-source reporting has identified as an F-15SA. Saudi authorities had not publicly confirmed the reported loss at the time of reporting.
The F-15SA is a variant of the F-15 Strike Eagle operated by the Royal Saudi Air Force. Reports citing the aircraft’s identification have put its estimated value at more than $110 million, although the exact cost can vary depending on configuration, weapons and associated systems.
In a separate statement, the Houthi forces said they had also shot down a Saudi-operated Wing Loong 2 drone while it was conducting what they described as hostile operations over Marib Governorate. Current reporting confirms the Houthis made the claim, but independent confirmation of both losses remains limited.
The claims come amid a sharp escalation in fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, with Reuters reporting extensive Saudi airstrikes in Yemen and Houthi missile and drone attacks against Saudi targets.