The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi missiles as two pilots die in helicopter crash
The coalition blamed a technical fault for the crash and said it intercepted two ballistic missiles targeting southwestern Saudi Arabia.
Two pilots were killed when their AH-6i reconnaissance helicopter, belonging to the national guard, crashed in Saudi territory in the Najran area due to a technical malfunction, according to the Saudi-led coalition.
The incident occurred near the border with Yemen as hostilities between the coalition and Houthi forces resumed after a four-year pause and intensified last month. The coalition spokesman said the aircraft was destroyed and the crew of two officers died.
In a separate claim, the coalition said it intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis toward Khamis Mushait in southwestern Saudi Arabia, with the announcement made via X.
Earlier, the coalition reported intercepting four drones in quick succession over the Riyadh region, the Eastern Province, and southern Saudi Arabia. The coalition also released footage it said showed strikes destroying two ballistic missile launchers in Saada, northern Yemen.
Saudi Civil Defence issued short-lived “potential danger” alerts in Riyadh, Abha, and Khamis Mushait, which were later lifted as conditions normalized.