Saudi Chopper Crashes, Riyadh Tower Closes Amid Houthi Attacks

A Saudi helicopter crashed in the Najran region, killing both crew members, according to the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen.

Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki stated on Sunday that the AH-6i helicopter crashed due to a technical fault in an area under the responsibility of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of National Guard. The Houthi group's military spokesman, Yahya Saree, offered a different account, claiming Houthi forces shot down a Saudi Apache helicopter near Najran during operations against Houthi positions along the border.

This incident marks the first military fatalities for the coalition since the conflict with the Houthis reignited in July. Meanwhile, management at Riyadh’s Kingdom Centre ordered office staff to work remotely until further notice, effective immediately. The 99-storey tower, a known landmark housing offices for major international institutions and companies, keeps its luxury shopping center open.

Heavy hostilities continue in al-Jawf province, Marib province, and Taiz. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi pledged all necessary and possible forms of support to protect Saudi Arabia during an emergency meeting of the National Defence Council on Sunday. Egypt would support the kingdom in defending its security, stability, resources, territorial integrity, and Islamic holy sites, according to the Egyptian presidency.

Sisi also called for an urgent parliamentary session to authorize military assistance to Saudi Arabia if Riyadh requests it, with the session due later on Sunday. The National Defence Council declared Saudi national security inextricably intertwined with Egypt's. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh advised its nationals to follow safety directives amid heightened security concerns, including moving to safe places inside buildings and avoiding open areas.