SANAA, Yemen: The Houthis claimed a Saudi drone shootdown over northern Yemen’s Al Jawf Governorate on July 26, but no independent evidence immediately verified the incident.
Houthi military spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree identified the aircraft as a Turkish-made Bayraktar Akıncı armed reconnaissance drone.
He alleged that it was conducting hostile operations when Houthi forces brought it down with an unspecified weapon.
The Houthi-run SABA news agency reported the details; however, it did not disclose when the interception occurred or provide footage of the aircraft’s wreckage.
Saudi authorities in Riyadh had not commented on the claim. The reported shootdown could not be independently verified, according to Türkiye Today.
Turkish manufacturer Baykar signed an Akıncı export agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry in July 2023. The company said the deal included technical support, training, technology transfers and plans for local production.
The claim followed renewed fighting between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. The Houthis said they targeted Saudi Aramco facilities in Yanbu and Jizan with missiles and drones on July 25 after Saudi strikes in Yemen’s Hodeidah Governorate.
Read: Houthis Attack Saudi Oil Sites as US Pauses Iran Strikes
Saudi civil defence sirens sounded in both cities, but officials did not confirm any damage, the Associated Press reported.
The Houthis had also declared a maritime embargo against Saudi-linked shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on July 20. Saudi Arabia said its forces would keep the international waterway open.
