iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
Hamilton says he had forgotten what it's like to lead after finishing second ahead of Perez
KT APPDOWNLOAD
US okays sale of advanced air-to-air missiles to Saudi Arabia
The missiles will help Saudi to intercept drone attacks by Houthis from Yemen
AFP file
The US State Department announced the approval of the sale of $650 million worth of air-to-air missiles to Saudi Arabia to help the country protect itself from drone attacks.
The approval will allow the Kingdom to buy up to 280 of the AIM-120C advanced medium-range missiles and related equipment, replenishing an existing supply of the missiles, the department said.
A State Department spokesperson said Saudi Arabia has already been able to use the missiles to intercept unmanned aircraft that threatened both Saudi and US forces inside the country, mainly from Yemen.
“We’ve seen an increase in cross-border attacks against Saudi Arabia over the past year,” the spokesperson said.
ALSO READ: Saudi Arabia: 10 injured at King Abdullah Airport in Jazan in Houthi drone attack
UAE condemns Houthi attempt to target Saudi Arabia with explosive drones
The Saudis are leading a fight against the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are supported by Iran.
US officials say the Iranians have supplied the Yemenis with drones and drone technology.
The State Department spokesperson stressed that the missiles cannot be used against ground targets.
The sale of the missiles “is fully consistent with the administration’s pledge to lead with diplomacy to end the conflict in Yemen while also ensuring Saudi Arabia has the means to defend itself from Iranian-backed Houthi air attacks,” the official said.
More news from
The defence ministry said it intercepted 50 Ukrainian drones overnight
Media reports had suggested the trip would begin as soon as Sunday and last two days
Visitors can enjoy movies with family favourites, including ‘The Jungle Book’, ‘Jumanji’ and ‘Zootopia’ to match the wild theme every evening from 8pm
Sheikh Mohamed conveyed his congratulations to all eight honourees, recognising their inspiring efforts and significant contributions in service to society
His father thanked everyone who participated in the search mission despite the challenges posed by flooding in various parts of the emirate
It will be humid by night and Sunday morning with a probability of mist formation over some coastal and internal areas
Nearly 6,000 volunteers linked to a single support group are working tirelessly across the country to help those affected
