Last Updated on October 18, 2026 by YeJahan
YEJAHAN DESK
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Oct 18): A Saudi National Guard helicopter crashed in the southwestern Najran region, killing both officers on board and triggering conflicting claims over the cause of the downing.
Major General Turki al-Malki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led military coalition, stated that the Boeing AH-6i light scout helicopter crashed due to a technical malfunction. The aircraft was conducting a routine surveillance mission near the Saudi-Yemeni border when the mechanical failure occurred.
However, Yemeni Houthi rebels quickly challenged the official Saudi narrative. Houthi military officials claimed their forces shot down the aircraft over Najran. To support their claim, the rebel group released a video on social media networks appearing to show the helicopter being targeted and falling from the sky.
The Saudi military has not yet independently verified the authenticity of the video or released the names of the two deceased officers.
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Major General al-Malki expressed deep condolences to the families of the crew members, offering prayers for the fallen officers and praising their service.
Copyright YeJahan News Network, 2026
