Saudi Arabia Refuses to Allow US Fighter Jets Airspace Access for Houthi Strikes

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The Saudi Arabian government is reportedly refused to grant permission for United States and allied fighter jets to utilize its airspace to target the Houthi armed group in Yemen.

 The Pentagon according international media sources have confirmed on Riyadh’s refusal to allow US and allied combat aircraft access to its airspace for such missions against the Houthi in Yemen.

This stance emerged following a decision by several Arab nations to limit the permissions extended to US and its allies’ fighter jets for conducting airstrikes on Iran-backed proxy groups from their airbases.

Countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) aim to maintain the newly established positive relations with Iran and avoid disruptions caused by US and allied military actions against pro-Iran armed factions in the region.

 Gulf nations, in particular, host a significant number of US and allied military assets, including fighter jets, reconnaissance aircraft, refueling planes, and armed drones.

Reports from US media, including Politico, indicate that Gulf Arab countries, notably the UAE, are now restricting US and allied combat aircraft from launching airstrikes on Iran-proxy groups from their bases.

These reports, citing senior US Defense Department officials, also highlight tensions between senior UAE officials and Washington regarding airstrikes from their territory against Iran-proxy groups.

Gulf Arab states are keen on preserving and enhancing the newly forged relations and camaraderie with Iran after years of tensions stemming from various disputes.

 The geopolitical and military strategizing in the Gulf region has impacted combat aircraft such as the A-10 “Warthog” ground attack aircraft and MQ-9 “Reaper” armed drones.

 These US-owned A-10 “Warthog” and MQ-9 “Reaper” drones have been prohibited from launching airstrikes from certain Gulf airbases, such as Al-Dhafra in the UAE.