Saudi Helicopter Downed, Two Pilots Killed, In First Of Renewed Yemen War

What happened: Saudi Arabia confirmed two military pilots died when their reconnaissance helicopter crashed near Najran on the border with Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition calls it a technical fault; the Houthis say they shot it down. Key numbers: Two crew members killed. The helicopter went down on Saturday. The Houthi claim was posted on October 18. Why it matters: It is the first reported Saudi military death since the war with the Houthis resumed last month. The two sides dispute the cause, and the Houthis released footage they say shows the helicopter being targeted.

Saudi Arabia confirmed two military pilots died when their reconnaissance helicopter crashed near Najran on the border with Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition calls it a technical fault; the Houthis say they shot it down.

It is the first reported Saudi military death since the war with the Houthis resumed last month. The two sides dispute the cause, and the Houthis released footage they say shows the helicopter being targeted.