Sana'a: In a significant development amid ongoing hostilities, the Yemeni Armed Forces have successfully downed a Saudi F-15 fighter jet. The aircraft was reportedly conducting hostile operations in the skies over Marib Governorate and was taken down using a locally manufactured surface-to-air missile.
According to Yemen News Agency, the incident follows a week of intensive Saudi airstrikes. Over 450 airstrikes were launched from Khamis Mushait and Taif airbases, targeting the governorates of Taiz, Lahj, Al-Jawf, Hajjah, Ma'rib, Sa'dah, and Al-Bayda. These airstrikes resulted in civilian casualties, including martyrs and wounded individuals.
In a related engagement, the Yemeni Armed Forces confronted two Saudi fighter formations comprising F-15 and Typhoon jets over Marib. These formations were reportedly searching for the downed aircraft's wreckage. Using locally produced missiles, the Yemeni forces compelled the Saudi formations to retreat.
The Yemeni Armed Forces have reiterated their commitment to defending the country's airspace and sovereignty. They stated that all actions taken are in response to aggression and violations, emphasizing their operations target Saudi military bases and oil facilities rather than holy sites.
The Yemeni statement also dismissed claims by Saudi authorities about threats to Mecca, criticizing the Saudi regime for its actions and assuring that Yemeni operations are focused solely on military objectives.
