Ansarullah Claims Second Saudi Drone Downed in Yemen Within 24 Hours

HAJJAH, Yemen — Ansarullah fighters shot down a second Saudi-operated Chinese-made CH-4 drone over Hajjah Governorate on Monday morning, marking the second such incident in less than 24 hours. The group announced the interception at approximately 7:11 a.m. local time, stating the unmanned aerial vehicle was destroyed while operating over northern Yemeni airspace.

The downed aircraft is identified as a CH-4, a long-range reconnaissance and strike drone manufactured by China's AVIC Group. This model has been widely deployed by Saudi-led coalition forces in recent years for surveillance and precision strikes across the conflict zone. The loss of two drones within a single day represents a significant operational setback for the coalition, highlighting intensified aerial activity and defensive capabilities in the region.

Ansarullah, which controls large swathes of northern Yemen including Hajjah Governorate, has not provided specific details regarding the method used to bring down the second drone. The group's statement did not clarify whether the aircraft was intercepted by surface-to-air missiles, anti-aircraft artillery, or small arms fire. No images or video footage of the wreckage have been released alongside the initial announcement.

The incident occurs against a backdrop of recurring aerial engagements in Yemen, where Ansarullah has frequently targeted coalition assets. While the group claims responsibility for both downings, Saudi authorities have not yet issued an official statement confirming the losses or addressing the specific circumstances of Monday's event. The lack of immediate confirmation from Riyadh leaves the operational status of the remaining drone fleet in the sector uncertain.

Hajjah Governorate has long been a focal point of military activity due to its strategic location near the Red Sea and its proximity to key supply routes. The repeated loss of advanced drones in this area suggests a shift in the tactical balance, with Ansarullah demonstrating an increased ability to detect and neutralize high-value aerial targets.

Questions remain regarding the broader implications of these losses for ongoing coalition operations. It is unclear whether the downed drones were conducting routine surveillance missions or if they were engaged in active strike operations at the time of their destruction. Furthermore, the frequency of such incidents raises concerns about the safety of coalition air assets operating in northern Yemen.

As the situation develops, attention will focus on whether Saudi forces adjust their aerial tactics or increase defensive measures for remaining unmanned systems. The rapid succession of these two events underscores the volatility of the airspace over Hajjah and the continuing challenges faced by international coalitions operating in the region.