Yemeni forces say they downed Saudi reconnaissance drone over Saada

The Yemeni Armed Forces said on Tuesday morning that they detected and targeted an armed Wing Loong II reconnaissance drone belonging to the Royal Saudi Air Force, according to a statement by their spokesman, Brigadier General Yahya Saree. The announcement was reported by Mehr News, citing Press TV.

Saree said the drone was engaged with an appropriate weapon. He did not specify the type of weapon used or the exact location within Saada province where the interception took place.

The reported downing came shortly after the Yemeni army said it had targeted King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, in a new ballistic missile strike. In a separate statement, Saree said the operation achieved a direct and accurate strike on the airport. No independent confirmation of the strike or its results was provided in the statements.

Saree renewed a warning to international airlines, aviation experts, personnel, workers and travelers worldwide, advising them not to fly to Saudi airports, which he described as unsafe. The warning specifically excludes airports and airspace associated with the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

The statements did not provide details on casualties or damage, and there was no immediate response from Saudi authorities in the report. The reported operations are part of ongoing military activity between Yemeni forces and Saudi Arabia.

According to Mehr News, the statements were issued by the Yemeni Armed Forces spokesman and carried by Press TV.