Royal Saudi Air Force Wing Loong II Shot down

Houthi forces announced on 14 July 2026 that they had shot down a Saudi-operated Wing Loong II over Al-Bayda governorate in central Yemen, saying the Chinese-built medium-altitude long-endurance drone was engaged at dawn while flying reconnaissance over Yemeni territory. Imagery of wreckage was released alongside the claim, and AFP, Middle East Eye and The Defense Post reported the announcement. Riyadh did not comment. The shootdown came a day after the Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of striking Sanaa airport and retaliated against an airport in the kingdom, the sharpest exchange since the 2022 truce. A Saudi Akinci was lost over Al-Jawf twelve days later.