Greek Air Defense System Intercepts Ballistic Missile, Drone Over Saudi Arabia

An air defense system operated by Greek military personnel in Saudi Arabia intercepted a ballistic missile and a drone on Thursday in the wider Yanbu region.

Greek security sources told Reuters that the system launched two missiles. This marks the fifth combat use of the Greek-operated Patriot system since the US and Israel launched their war with Iran at the end of February. Saudi civil defense issued alerts earlier on Thursday warning of potential danger in Mecca, Tabuk, Jeddah, Yanbu, and Taif.

Saudi forces intercepted six Houthi ballistic missiles on Thursday, according to a military spokesperson. Col. Turki Al-Malki, spokesperson for Saudi-led coalition forces, stated that air defenses thwarted an attempt to target Taif and Yanbu. The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, targeted Riyadh for the first time in years just days prior, with a plume of thick black smoke seen from fuel tanks near the international airport.

The US and Israeli war on Iran, launched on February 28, resulted in the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This effectively cut off Saudi Arabia's most important oil export route, as well as those of other Gulf Arab states. With Houthi attacks escalating, Saudi Arabia's backup routes are also under threat, potentially impacting global oil supply and US consumer prices.

Neil Quilliam, an energy policy specialist at Chatham House, stated America does not fully appreciate the impact of the deteriorating security situation. President Donald Trump announced major combat operations against Iran on February 28, with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes. Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in June aimed at a war-ending deal broke down. In August, President Trump said the U.S. would launch a crushing economic operation against Tehran.

The UK is providing military support to Saudi Arabia, including the deployment of an RAF Voyager, to help restore stability and ease pressure on global energy supply. British Defense Minister Luke Pollard described the deployment as purely defensive to prevent further escalation in the Red Sea. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman asked President Trump for American military help on September 10 after Houthi advances along the Red Sea coastline.