Houthis Claim Downing of Saudi F-15, Deny Targeting Mecca

In September 2026, Yemen's Houthi rebels said they shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet with a surface-to-air missile and released footage of the claimed strike. The Houthis also denied targeting Mecca, after Saudi Arabia warned of a "red line" following reports that the holy city had been targeted.

The claims could not be independently verified. Saudi Arabia did not confirm the loss of the aircraft. The Houthis described the accusation that they targeted Mecca as a "nauseating lie."