Houthis Claim Saudi Reconnaissance Drone Shot Down in Yemen

Yemen's Houthi group said on Sunday that it had shot down a Saudi-operated reconnaissance drone over the northern province of Al-Jawf. The announcement came as a separate maritime security incident involving a commercial tanker was reported in the southern Red Sea.

The Houthis said the drone was targeted while carrying out what they described as hostile activities over Al-Jawf. The incident follows rising tensions in the region and renewed concerns over the security of shipping routes in the Red Sea.

Houthi Spokesperson Announces Drone Downing

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said on the social media platform X that the group's forces successfully brought down the Saudi reconnaissance drone using what he described as "appropriate weaponry."

According to Sarea, the aircraft was conducting "hostile operations" in the airspace over Al-Jawf province at the time of the attack. He did not provide additional details about the type of drone or the operation.

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Tanker Reports Security Incident in Southern Red Sea

Earlier on Sunday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported a separate security incident involving a tanker in the southern Red Sea near the strategically important Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

According to the report, the tanker observed "a splash from an unknown projectile in close proximity to the vessel." The crew remained safe, and no injuries or damage were reported.

Rising Tensions After Maritime Shipping Ban

The latest developments came days after the Houthis announced a maritime ban targeting Saudi-linked shipping. The group also claimed responsibility for attacks on commercial vessels operating in the Red Sea.

Following those claims, the Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes against Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.

Airstrikes and Missile Attacks Continue

On Saturday, Yemen's state-run television reported that airstrikes hit Houthi military positions in northern Yemen.

The Houthi group also said it carried out coordinated missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi energy facilities located in the Jizan and Yanbu regions.

Yemen Conflict Remains Unresolved

Yemen has remained in conflict since late 2014, when the Houthi movement took control of much of northern Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa. In 2015, a Saudi-led coalition began military operations in support of the internationally recognised Yemeni government.

Although a United Nations-mediated truce expired in 2022, a fragile de facto ceasefire has largely remained in place. The latest incidents have renewed concerns about regional security and the safety of commercial shipping through the Red Sea.