The key facts
- Saudi Arabia has asked Pakistan for air defense assistance amid escalating Houthi attacks in Yemen, WSJ reports.
- The kingdom faces a shortage of interceptor missiles and is searching for air defense systems worldwide, as well as considering hiring foreign fighters.
- An October 10 attack on Riyadh's main airport killed 12 people and injured 309, including two Uzbek citizens with minor injuries.
Saudi Arabia has requested air defense assistance from Pakistan amid escalating attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen. The newspaper reported this, citing sources, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
According to the publication, the kingdom is facing a shortage of interceptor missiles needed to repel further attacks. As a result, Saudi Arabia has been forced to redistribute its existing air defense batteries between the royal palaces and energy infrastructure.
Riyadh, along with turning to its military ally Pakistan for help, is searching for air defense systems around the world. In addition, Saudi Arabia is considering hiring foreign fighters to support its allies in Yemen.
As WSJ notes, despite Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's efforts to strengthen close ties with the United States and attract major investments into the country, Washington has so far approached requests for military assistance in countering the Houthi attacks with caution. The US has sent military advisers to Saudi Arabia.
The threat of attacks has also intensified the crown prince's personal security measures. According to the publication's sources, 41-year-old Mohammed bin Salman moves between heavily guarded palaces equipped with bunkers and is protected by a specially selected security detail.
Recall that on October 10 it was reported that 12 people were killed and 309 injured as a result of the attack on the main airport in Riyadh. Among the victims were also two citizens of Uzbekistan, who sustained minor injuries.
