Saudi Helicopter crash near Yemeni border kills 2 amid escalating Houthi attacks | World News

Two people died when a Saudi Arabian reconnaissance helicopter crashed near the border with Yemen, according to the Saudi-led coalition. The incident occurred near Najran and the coalition attributed the crash to a technical fault, while disputing an earlier claim from the Houthi movement that they had downed a similar aircraft.

The event comes amid a broader escalation, with missiles intercepted elsewhere in the kingdom and air-raid alerts in Riyadh overnight. Observers are awaiting the reopening of the main airport, which has been shuttered for about a week following a wave of attacks.

Authorities noted ongoing attempts by militants to strike targets across Saudi Arabia, including at Red Sea port areas and border zones. The coalition also reported intercepting several waves of drones over Riyadh and destroying missiles in other areas, including potential threats to Yanbu and the Khamis Mushait border region.

The violence has accompanied broader regional tensions, with international partners signaling support for Saudi defense amid the flare-up with Yemen-based Houthis. The conflict has disrupted air travel and contributed to economic disruption, including delays to major international events and school disruptions in Riyadh.

The Houthis have intensified attacks since October, claiming strikes on several airports and strategic sites in Saudi Arabia. The broader pattern includes cross-border strikes affecting energy infrastructure and shipping routes through the Bab el-Mandeb strait, underscoring the disruption to regional energy flows.