Yemen's Houthis say shot down Saudi fighter jet

On Wednesday, Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed to have shot down a Saudi fighter jet, attributing the downing to a locally manufactured air-to-air missile. The Yemeni Armed Forces, with divine assistance, reportedly downed a Saudi F-15 fighter jet while it was engaged in hostile operations in Marib province's airspace, according to Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree who posted the information on social media.

Saree accused Saudi Arabia of conducting 450 strikes. He also dismissed Saudi claims that the Houthis had targeted the holy city of Mecca during the week, stating that the group's operations focus on Yemen's oil facilities and military bases, which are distant from sacred sites. The Houthi rebels have been involved in renewed fighting with Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces since the civil war escalated in July.

Additionally, the group has declared a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia and has been targeting its ships in the Red Sea. Recently, the Houthis carried out a swift offensive last week, resulting in the seizure of control over portions of the country.