Marib: The Houthis announced on Wednesday that they shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over Marib province, claiming it was conducting “hostile operations” in support of Saudi troop buildups in the province.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, a statement by military spokesman Yahya Saree revealed that the aircraft was downed by a locally made surface-to-air missile. He mentioned that their forces also engaged two formations of F-15 and Typhoon fighter jets over Marib, forcing them to retreat while searching for the wreckage.

Saree further stated that Saudi aircraft launched more than 450 airstrikes during the week on Taiz, Lahj, Al-Jawf, Hajjah, Marib, Saada, and Al-Bayda. He also denied accusations of targeting Mecca, emphasizing that their operations target oil facilities and military bases far from the holy sites.