Saudi Arabia running low on interceptors to defend against Houthi missile strikes – report | LIVE BLOG
According to the Wall Street Journal, due to the lack of interceptors, the kingdom has been forced to shift air defense batteries to protect palaces and energy infrastructure
The Saudi-led coalition says King Khalid International Airport was attacked again overnight by the Houthis, causing a fire in the passenger hall of terminal 4, a day after a missile hit terminal 3, killing 13 and injuring 309. The death toll rose from the initial 12 after an Indian national succumbed to injuries sustained in the attack.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Reza Naghdi, an adviser to the commander-in-chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, warned Sunday that any new missile or air attack by the US would draw a “heavier and crushing” response. He said Iran’s adversaries knew the consequences of any provocation or attack. The warning came the same day the IRGC reportedly launched 30 ballistic missiles, including Khorramshahr and Emad models, as part of a large-scale military exercise. READ MORE HERE
Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia strain kingdom's security and economy - report
Saudi Arabia is running low on the interceptors needed to fend off further Houthi strikes, Saudi officials said, according to The Wall Street Journal.
People familiar with the kingdom's deliberations said it has struggled to cover the vast country with air defense and has been shifting batteries around to protect palaces and energy infrastructure.
The shortage comes after Houthi missiles hit Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Saturday and again on Sunday, killing at least 13 people and injuring hundreds.
The kingdom has reportedly called on ally Pakistan for help and is scouring the globe for air defenses. Meanwhile, the US has so far resisted requests for military help to roll back the Houthi advance, though it has sent military advisers.