The US move comes as a major blow to Saudi Arabia, which is fighting Yemen’s Houthi rebels
Riyadh – The United States withdrew its state-of-the-art missile defense system stationed in Saudi Arabia, calling the US to move a major blow to Saudi Arabia, which is engaged in a war against the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The United States has recalled its state-of-the-art missile defense system and Patriot batteries stationed in Saudi Arabia.
Thousands of US troops have been stationed at Prince Sultan Air Base, 70 miles southeast of Riyadh, since 1919. The system was installed at the same military base. The United States has said the move comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is facing the threat of rocket attacks by Houthi rebels active in Yemen. This development is also being hailed as a prelude to a change in US military strategy for the Middle East.
On the other hand, in view of the changing situation in the region, the US Secretary of Defense also postponed his scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia. According to Arab media, US Secretary of Defense General Lloyd Austin has postponed his scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia after the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. It is reported that General Lloyd Austin is visiting the Gulf countries in connection with the US government’s campaign to thank allies in the region for their cooperation following the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. He also visited Al-Adeed Airbase, the largest US military base in the region, from Qatar. The US Secretary of Defense has also completed visits to Kuwait and Bahrain, as well as a visit to Saudi Arabia. He was included in the program, but the Pentagon administration has stated that the visit has been postponed due to a dispute over the schedule. The US administration has not announced a new date for the visit.
It is worth mentioning here that in June this year, the US leadership announced that the US missile defense system stationed in Saudi Arabia will be reduced. US President Joe Biden’s administration is trying to reduce tensions with Iran, with Washington saying it is reducing the number of troops and air defense units stationed in the Middle East, including Patriot missiles and anti-missile missiles in Saudi Arabia. Systems included.
Commenting on this, Turki al-Maliki, a spokesman for the Arab League for Yemen, told reporters that the reduction in the number of US defense units and troops would not affect Saudi air defenses. Understandably, we have the ability to defend our country
