Saudi-led coalition says 2 pilots killed in helicopter crash near Yemen border

Saudi-led coalition reports two pilots killed in helicopter crash near Yemen border

RIYADH: The coalition fighting the Houthis announced on Sunday that both pilots perished when their helicopter crashed due to a technical issue near the Yemeni border, marking the first military fatalities since hostilities resumed in July. Turki al-Malki, a spokesperson for the coalition, informed the Saudi Press Agency that an AH-6i reconnaissance helicopter from the national guard experienced a technical malfunction in Saudi territory in the Najran region, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and the loss of its two crew members, who were officers.

The four-year truce between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, who are backed by Iran, was shattered in July when the Iran-aligned group gained control over several strategic areas along the Red Sea coast. In response, the Saudi-led coalition has carried out numerous airstrikes on Houthi targets. The Houthis, in turn, have targeted Saudi interests, including vessels in the Red Sea, oil facilities, and Riyadh's international airport, where 13 individuals lost their lives in a recent attack.