Story perspectives

Saudi AH-6i crash kills two officers in Najran

By Drooid · Oct 18, 2026, 2:35 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Saudi Guard Helicopter Crash

Saudi National Guard’s AH-6i reconnaissance helicopter crashed in Najran, killing two officers.
Major General Turki al-Maliki said a technical malfunction caused the crash.
Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree claimed the group shot down a Saudi Apache near Najran.
Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki rejected the claim, stating the Apache would return.
Coalition forces intercepted two Houthi ballistic missiles targeting Khamis Mushait.

Summary

Sisi Promises Protection

Egypt's parliament will hold an emergency session to consider defence aid for Saudi Arabia.
President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi said Egypt stands ready to protect Saudi Arabia if requested.
Future Investment Initiative is exploring virtual participation because of heightened security threats.
Brent crude rose to US$110 a barrel on Oct 16 as Saudi-Yemen tensions escalated.
Saudi schools extended remote learning by seven days after attacks on Riyadh airport.

History

Historical Context

On 26 March 2015 Saudi Arabia led a nine-nation Arab coalition to launch Operation Decisive Storm in Yemen after President Hadi begged for help against Houthi rebels. The campaign shifted to Operation Restoring Hope and has persisted for nearly a decade, with Saudi and UAE forces still confronting renewed Houthi missile strikes, such as the AH-6i crash near Najran in 2024.

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Saudi Guard Helicopter Crash

Saudi National Guard’s AH-6i reconnaissance helicopter crashed in Najran, killing two officers.
Major General Turki al-Maliki said a technical malfunction caused the crash.
Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree claimed the group shot down a Saudi Apache near Najran.
Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki rejected the claim, stating the Apache would return.
Coalition forces intercepted two Houthi ballistic missiles targeting Khamis Mushait.

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