Yemen says it downed Saudi F-15 fighter jet over Marib

Yemen's military spokesman, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, said on Wednesday that Yemeni forces shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over the Marib region using a locally produced surface-to-air missile. According to Saree, the aircraft was carrying out an air support mission for forces allied with Saudi Arabia when it was brought down.

Saree added that Yemeni forces also confronted a second F-15 and a Saudi Typhoon fighter jet in Marib airspace. He said the two aircraft were searching for the wreckage of the downed jet but were forced to withdraw after the Yemeni forces responded. "They were looking for the wreckage of the downed jet, but were forced to retreat by the Yemeni forces' response," Saree said. "We will continue to protect Yemen's airspace against the enemy."

The statement did not specify the exact date or time of the incident, nor did it provide further details about the missile system used or the outcome for the crew of the downed aircraft. There was no immediate independent confirmation of the claim, and Saudi authorities have not publicly commented on the report.

Marib province has been a focal point of the conflict in Yemen, with competing forces contesting control of the area. The reported downing is the latest in a series of claims by Yemeni forces regarding engagements with aircraft over the country's airspace.

According to Mehr News, the announcement was made by the Yemeni Armed Forces' military spokesman, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, who attributed the downing to a locally produced surface-to-air missile and said Yemeni forces would continue to defend the country's airspace.