Saudi coalition confirms helicopter crash as Houthis claim Apache downing

A Saudi National Guard reconnaissance helicopter crashed in the southern Najran region, resulting in the deaths of two officers, according to a Sunday announcement by the Saudi-led coalition. The coalition attributed the incident to a technical malfunction and confirmed the AH-6i helicopter went down inside Saudi territory.

The Houthis claimed they shot down a Saudi Apache helicopter near Najran during hostile operations against Houthi positions, according to statements from Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree. The coalition did not corroborate this specific account in its communiqué about the helicopter crash.

In response to the Houthi claim, coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki posted images of Apache helicopters on X with a taunting message, suggesting the Houthis’ claim would be tested in the field.

Separately, the coalition said it intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis toward Khamis Mushait in southwestern Saudi Arabia. Before this, warning notices were issued to Riyadh and the southwestern cities of Abha and Khamis Mushait, which were later lifted.

Over the previous 24 hours, the coalition reported intercepting and destroying four drones in various Saudi regions, including the Riyadh region, the Eastern Province, and southern Saudi Arabia. Footage released by the coalition showed airstrikes that destroyed two ballistic missile launchers in Saada, Yemen, after they were used to target Saudi Arabia.