Saudi helicopter crashes in Najran, killing two crew members

A Saudi reconnaissance helicopter crashed in the Najran region of southwestern Saudi Arabia due to a technical malfunction, killing its two crew members, the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen said.

Major General Turki Al-Maliki, the coalition’s official spokesperson, said the AH-6i reconnaissance helicopter belonged to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of National Guard and crashed inside the kingdom’s territory.

“The accident resulted in the martyrdom of its aircrew, consisting of two officers,” Al-Maliki said in a statement.

He offered condolences to the families and loved ones of the two officers, praying for them to be granted mercy and patience.

The coalition did not provide further details about the circumstances of the crash.

Al-Maliki also responded to the Houthis’ claim that they had shot down an Apache helicopter in Saudi Arabia’s Najran region.

He posted a picture of Apache helicopters on a tarmac, accompanied by the message: “She will enter the field soon. Remember what she looks like, so you do not forget.”