Saudi helicopter crash kills 2 officers in Najran

A Saudi Ministry of National Guard AH-6i reconnaissance helicopter crashed in Najran on Oct. 18, killing 2 officers, Khaleej Times reported, citing coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al Maliki.

The fatal crash occurred inside Saudi territory, after Atlas360 reported on Sept. 24 that coalition officials said 6 Houthi ballistic missiles had been intercepted with no immediate casualties.

Al Maliki said the AH-6i crash was caused by a “technical malfunction,” according to the news report. The report did not give the officers’ names, the precise crash site or details on any inquiry.

Reconnaissance helicopters are used for surveillance and intelligence-gathering. The Saudi Ministry of National Guard supports the kingdom’s defence and interior ministries, and is among the military bodies responsible for internal security, border protection, holy sites, vital interests and property, according to Saudipedia, an official website cited by Khaleej Times.

The crash was reported as a separate matter from a Houthi statement early Sunday. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed Houthi forces had “shot down” an Apache helicopter off Najran while it was “carrying out hostile acts,” according to the Khaleej Times report.

Al Maliki responded to the Houthi statement by posting a photo of Apache helicopters on the ground alongside a screengrab of Saree’s post, the report said. “You claim you downed it. It will enter the field soon.

Remember how it looks like so you don't forget,” Al Maliki wrote.