The United States has withdrawn some of its defense missiles from Saudi Arabia amid ongoing attacks on Iranian-backed Houthis from Yemen, The Associated Press reported.
The cabling service analyzed satellite images from Plant Labs Inc., which showed that Prince Sultan Air Force Base previously had a high-altitude area defense unit at the terminal and a missile defense system, in addition to Patriot missile batteries. Several batteries were no longer at the air base, according to images taken in late August and reviewed by the AP.
The media reported that the missile system and batteries appeared to have disappeared after analyzing the photos taken on Friday.
After investigations by the AP, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby
John KirbyBlinken and Austin to visit European and Gulf allies to discuss Afghanistan’s failed war National defense and security: Afghan Pentagon mental scars to increase mental health spread after Afghanistan collapse MORE acknowledged that “certain anti-aircraft defense assets” had been redistributed.
“The Department of Defense continues to maintain tens of thousands of forces and a strong position of strength in the Middle East that represents some of our most advanced maritime and air power capabilities, in support of U.S. national interests and our partnerships. regionals, ”Kirby told the AP.
The Hill has contacted US Central Command for comment.
Earlier this year, the Pentagon said “certain forces and capabilities” would be withdrawn from the Middle East.
“The Secretary of Defense ordered the commander of the US Central Command to withdraw from the region this summer certain forces and capabilities, mainly air defense assets,” Pentagon spokesman Cmdr said. Jessica McNulty said in a statement.
McNulty explained that the move was made in “close coordination with host countries” and that it was “about maintaining a portion of our high demand and low-density assets so that they are prepared for future contingency requirements.”
Saudi Arabia’s defense ministry also admitted in a statement to the PA that the defense missiles had been removed, but maintained that the move was made through a “common understanding and realignment of defense strategies.” .
“The resettlement of some defense capabilities of the kind United States of America from the region is carried out through common understanding and realignment of defense strategies as an attribute of deployment and operational readiness,” the ministry said. in his statement.