Yemen: Houthis claim to shoot down Saudi helicopter November 29

Event

Houthi rebels announced on Friday, November 29, that they have shot down a Saudi Apache helicopter near the Yemeni-Saudi border using a surface-to-air missile. The group also claimed that the helicopter's two pilots were killed in the attack. Saudi authorities have not confirmed the attack.

Similar incidents are possible over the near term.

Context

Yemen is engaged in a complex and deadly conflict, ongoing since Houthi rebels entered into a civil war with the Yemeni government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, in 2015. The Saudi-led coalition has carried out thousands of airstrikes in Yemen since its intervention began. Hundreds of Yemeni civilians have been killed in the strikes, which have hit schools, hospitals, and markets, in addition to Houthi militant positions and personnel. In total, more than 10,000 Yemenis have died in the fighting and some 3 million have been displaced.

Advice

Due to poor security conditions, many Western governments strongly advise their citizens against all travel to Yemen. Travel to the country should only be considered with proper security protocols in place. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.