Houthis Claim Downing Saudi F-15 Fighter Jet in Marib, Deny Targeting Mecca

The Houthis, a Yemeni rebel group, announced the downing of a Saudi F-15 fighter jet in Marib, a city in southern Yemen. The attack was reported to have occurred in the early hours of September 16, 2026. The Houthis stated that the jet was shot down near Marib, though they did not specify the exact location or method used. The incident comes amid heightened tensions between Yemen’s Houthis and Saudi Arabia, which has been involved in a prolonged conflict in the region. The Jerusalem Post reported that the Houthis denied targeting Mecca, a holy city in Saudi Arabia, in their statement. The Middle East Eye cited the same claim from the Houthis. No official confirmation of the downing has been provided by Saudi authorities, and the incident remains under investigation. The conflict in Yemen has seen frequent clashes between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces, with significant civilian casualties reported in recent months.