Houthis Claim Downing Saudi Jet Over Marib Amid Mecca Drone Dispute

Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for downing a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over the Marib region. This assertion comes amidst a separate incident where Saudi Arabia announced it intercepted a Houthi drone reportedly heading towards the holy city of Mecca.

The Houthi movement has denied targeting Mecca, with a spokesperson stating their operations are focused on Saudi infrastructure and that they were responsible for the F-15's downing. The Saudi-led coalition has vowed retaliation for the alleged drone threat to Mecca, emphasizing the sanctity of Islam's holiest sites. The conflicting claims and escalating military actions highlight the ongoing volatility of the Yemen conflict and its potential to spill over into wider regional tensions.