Saudi chopper pilots killed as landmark tower closes offices amid Houthi fighting

A Saudi helicopter tragically crashed in the Najran region, resulting in the loss of both crew members, according to the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki reported on Sunday that the AH-6i helicopter experienced a technical failure in an area under Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of National Guard control.

However, the Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, presented a contrasting narrative. Their military spokesman, Yahya Saree, claimed that Houthi forces had engaged in an aerial attack, shooting down a Saudi Apache helicopter near Najran while it was engaged in operations against Houthi positions along the border.

In response to the escalating conflict, management at Riyadh’s Kingdom Centre, a landmark tower, has instructed office staff to work remotely until further notice. The building's exterior was illuminated in the colors of the Saudi flag during the celebrations marking the 96th Saudi National Day on September 23, 2026.