Saudi Arabia Seeks Allies’ Help as Missile Interceptors Run Low

Darwin, September 18: Saudi Arabia is running short of missile interceptors as its conflict with Yemen’s Houthi rebels drags on, prompting Riyadh to seek air defense assistance from regional and Western allies, two regional officials told The Associated Press (AP) on Wednesday.

The officials said Saudi Arabia has asked France, the United Kingdom, Pakistan and Egypt to deploy air defense systems in the region to help counter missile and drone attacks from the Houthis and other Iran-backed groups.

One of the officials said the request has emerged as Saudi Arabia’s main ally and weapons supplier, the United States, has also seen its own stockpile of missile interceptors decline over the past six months amid its war with Iran.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

Saudi officials did not immediately comment on the reports.

The renewed tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis have emerged against the backdrop of the ongoing war with Iran, according to the report.

On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia accused the Houthis of attempting to launch a drone attack targeting Mecca, Islam’s holiest city. Saudi authorities said they shot down the drone. The Houthis, however, denied targeting Mecca.

Saudi Arabia has described Mecca, the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as a “red line.” The city lies about 1,100 kilometers from Yemen’s border.

Following the alleged attack targeting Mecca, several countries expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia. However, there has so far been no clear announcement of military assistance.

On Tuesday, British Prime Minister’s spokesman Tom Wells confirmed the United Kingdom’s “close defense partnership” with Saudi Arabia. However, he declined to comment on whether Saudi Arabia had requested military assistance or whether British troops were currently stationed in the country.

U.S. and NATO officials have previously acknowledged shortages of missile-defense systems in Europe. That has raised questions about the ability of European countries to provide additional air defense support to Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, a Turkish government official said Ankara was holding talks with Iran and the United Arab Emirates as part of efforts to reduce tensions. The official did not provide further details about the discussions.

The Houthis’ recent attacks are also being viewed as the first major test of a new defense agreement involving Saudi Arabia, NATO member Turkey and nuclear-armed Pakistan.

However, Turkish and Pakistani officials told AP that they had not received any requests for military assistance from Saudi Arabia following the latest escalation involving the Houthis.

Amid international condemnation of the alleged attack targeting Mecca, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia would remain “shoulder to shoulder” and stand firmly together.

Turkey’s foreign minister also expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia, saying that no country could remain “indifferent” to such an incident.

Despite those statements of support, neither Turkey nor Pakistan has made a specific announcement regarding the provision of weapons or military assistance to Saudi Arabia.

Source: Associated Press (AP)