According to a report by the Associated Press on October 11, last month, local officials revealed that Saudi Arabia's missile interceptors are running out of stock and have requested France, the UK, Pakistan, and Egypt to deploy air defense forces in the region. One of the officials pointed out that the United States' own inventory of interceptors is also decreasing in the war with Iran.
Saudi officials stated that the assistance provided by the United States includes intelligence sharing, target identification, and the development of operational plans for recent attacks against the Houthi movement.
At that time, Saudi Arabia's allies expressed diplomatic support, but there were no signs of military assistance.
On September 15th, British Prime Minister’s spokesman Tom Welts confirmed that the UK maintains a “close defense partnership” with Saudi Arabia. However, he refused to disclose whether Saudi Arabia has requested military assistance, and did not specify whether British troops are stationed within Saudi territory.
Previously, officials from the United States and NATO admitted that there is a severe shortage of missile interception devices in Europe. This has raised doubts about whether Europe will be able to provide assistance.
On September 16, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will stand together 'steadfastly'.
On the same day, according to the Turkish national news agency Anadolu Agency, the Turkish Foreign Minister also expressed his support, stating that no country can remain indifferent to this situation.
Subsequently, France announced the deployment of soldiers, radar, and air defense systems in Saudi Arabia. The UK promised additional defensive military support, while Turkey and Pakistan also advanced military equipment and defense cooperation. However, there was no public confirmation that these aid had replenished Saudi Arabia's missile interceptor inventory.
On October 10th, Saudi Arabia stated that its Foreign Minister had a phone call with Oman's Foreign Minister. Both parties discussed the importance of supporting diplomatic solutions and easing regional tensions.
Oman is located across the Hormuz Strait, facing Iran by sea. It has played a mediating role in this region on many occasions.
This week, the Houthi forces warned global airlines that this would be their “last” warning, and reminded airlines of the possible consequences of operating within Saudi airspace. The Houthi forces described Saudi airspace as a combat zone for their military operations.
On the 10th, Reuters reported that the Houthi militants attacked King Fahd International Airport in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh, causing at least 12 deaths and around 309 injuries in the airport’s third attack this week.
In the latest round of attacks, airlines such as IndiGo, Emirates, Lufthansa Group, and Pakistan International Airlines have suspended flights to and from Riyadh and other airports in Saudi Arabia at various times.
The European Aviation Safety Agency has expanded the security guidelines regarding Saudi airspace. The agency noted that the Houthi rebels have the capability to target deeper locations within Saudi territory, including the capital Riyadh, and their actions are “more focused on aviation infrastructure”.
This institution states that missile and drone strikes, as well as interception actions, "have increased the risk of civilian aircraft being misidentified."
Two regional officials stated that the attack by the Houthi militant group on Riyadh Airport on the 8th caused damage to three aircraft. Since these officials were not authorized to report this information to the media, they requested to remain anonymous.
Saudi Airlines stated that one of their aircraft was damaged while parked on the ground, and there were no passengers on board at that time.
Meanwhile, the Saudi government warned the public this week: "Taking photos, posting, or sharing information related to interception missiles and drones, as well as the locations where they fell, will subject you to legal liability."
