Saudi Arabia denies US use of territory to strike Houthis – Official
Saudi Arabia has taken steps to limit American forces’ utilisation of its lands and airspace for striking the Houthis in Yemen, according to a US defense official as reported by Sky News Arabia.
The official stated, “Some of these measures include allowing American fighter planes to refuel only at military airbases in the kingdom,” and “preventing the Americans from using their missile defense systems present in Saudi Arabia against the Houthis.”
While Saudi Arabia did not respond to these comments, it has consistently refused to join the US-led coalition against the Houthis amidst escalating tensions in the Red Sea. Additionally, the US defense official revealed that Washington has bolstered its missile defenses in Socotra, anticipating potential Houthi attacks on American bases in the region.
“These measures aim to intercept long-range missiles that the Houthis may launch,” the official stated, highlighting ongoing Houthi attacks on Israeli, American, and British ships. S
ince November, Yemen’s Houthis have targeted vessels linked to Israel in response to the conflict in Gaza.
Tensions heightened in January in the Red Sea after the US and UK initiated strikes on Houthi sites in Yemen, prompting the group to include American and British ships as potential targets.
Saudi Arabia and the Houthis engaged in talks in 2023 to resolve their conflict, which began in 2015. Many express concerns that Saudi involvement in a US campaign against the group could reopen old wounds and reignite the war. Share this:
