Adnkronos (Adnkronos) – "The Houthis have seized a significant portion of the coastal strip and, in fact, significantly strengthened their interdiction capabilities in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait today. Over the past two days, the Saudis have conducted several airstrikes on Houthi-occupied areas. Certainly, the situation in Yemen is not good, and in response to Saudi airstrikes, the Houthis are striking Saudi territory with ballistic missiles and drones.
And the Taif base, where part of the Italian contingent of Task Force Arabia is stationed, is also in the crosshairs.” Pietro Batacchi, director of Rid, Rivista Italiana Difesa, analyses the ongoing clash between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia for Adnkronos.
Saudi Arabia is currently in the Houthis' crosshairs. We've seen attacks on the pipeline that carries oil to the Red Sea, and its operations have been blocked, for an unknown period of time.
The Saudis have accused pro-Iranian Iraqi militias, but it's still unclear. It's clear that Saudi Arabia is currently caught in the middle of this deadlock between pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, Iran itself, and the Houthis, with whom conflict has effectively resumed. It must be taken into account that Saudi Arabia faces a significant threat, as the Houthis have demonstrated their missile capabilities.
Regarding our contingent based in Saudi Arabia, Batacchi explains: “Personally, I wouldn't worry, also because we're there on a mission to reassure and protect one of our partners.
Zero-risk missions no longer exist today. I think this is the key point, otherwise we'll stay home. We have to take into account that when you go on a mission in an operational theater like that, there are risks. Let's not forget that we were in Kuwait, when Iranian missiles and drones destroyed one of our Reaper drones under a hangar: the risks are there. Italy is currently engaged in a theater of conflict, protecting and providing military guarantees to one of its partners. After all, we can't maintain a relationship with Arab states, so we take oil and gas, sell them weapons, and that's it. Saudi Arabia is our partner, an ally. In case of threat, someone has to protect them, especially at a time when the Americans, even with them, are proving to be 'cold-blooded.' We're there to do what a country like Italy must do: guarantee the safety of one of our valuable partners. It's pointless to form these strategic partnerships if we then disappear when needed."
And again: "The Taif base has been the target of Houthi drone and missile attacks, as is well known," Batacchi concludes. "But these bases are protected by anti-aircraft systems, anti-missile systems, and other defenses. If we were to withdraw now, we would certainly not look good. My hope, and I believe it is the government's entire vision, is to remain there and provide concrete political and military guarantees to our partner, Saudi Arabia."
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