Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia Seeks European Help as Mecca Pact Unravels
Saudi Arabia is being attacked by missiles and drones from the Houthi group in Yemen.
The attacks have made it harder for Saudi Arabia to protect its cities, military sites and oil facilities.
Saudi officials say they are running short of missiles used to stop incoming attacks.
They have asked countries including the United Kingdom, France and Egypt for help.
Saudi Arabia also asked Pakistan, but a Pakistani official said the country had not received a request.
The attacks caused Jeddah’s main airport to close temporarily.
The United States has not agreed to launch attacks against the Houthis, according to the report.
Saudi Arabia is also asking Oman and Egypt to help find a diplomatic solution.
Saudi Arabia has asked the United Kingdom, France and Egypt for air-defense assistance, according to regional officials cited by The Associated Press.
The kingdom is reportedly running low on interceptor missiles while facing intensified Houthi missile and drone attacks.
A Houthi barrage forced the closure of Jeddah’s main international airport, while Saudi Arabia accused the group of targeting Mecca with a drone.
Saudi Arabia has also sought help from Pakistan, although a Pakistani official said no such request had been received.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is pursuing both foreign military assistance and diplomatic efforts through Oman and Egypt to ease tensions.
- Who
- Saudi Arabia, led in the report by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is seeking help against the Iran-backed Houthi movement.
- What
- Saudi Arabia is requesting air-defense assistance and diplomatic support as Houthi missile and drone attacks intensify.
- When
- The reported escalation includes attacks on Tuesday and Wednesday, with U.S.-Houthi discussions taking place over the weekend.
- Where
- The attacks have affected Saudi Arabia, including Jeddah and Mecca, while diplomatic discussions have involved Oman.
- Why
- Saudi Arabia reportedly needs help protecting key sites because it is running low on interceptor missiles and faces continuing attacks.
Saudi Arabia and Supporting States
Houthi Movement and Its Position
Responsibility for the attacks
Saudi Arabia and Supporting States
Saudi Arabia describes the Houthi missile and drone campaign as a security threat requiring defense of its cities, military sites, government facilities and oil infrastructure.
Houthi Movement and Its Position
The Houthis have declared a blockade of Saudi Arabia and intensified attacks, while reportedly telling U.S. officials that their conflict is with Saudi Arabia rather than the United States.
Response to the crisis
Saudi Arabia and Supporting States
Saudi Arabia is seeking air-defense assistance from European and regional countries while also pursuing mediation through Oman and Egypt.
Houthi Movement and Its Position
The Houthi position, as reported, is that the confrontation is with Saudi Arabia; the group’s assurances reportedly contributed to the United States deciding not to assist Saudi Arabia directly.
- Requested military assistance
- The United Kingdom, France and Egypt were reportedly asked to provide air-defense support.
- Additional outreach
- Saudi Arabia reportedly contacted Pakistan, though a Pakistani official denied receiving a request.
- Attacks
- The Houthis have used missiles and drones and declared a blockade of Saudi Arabia, according to the report.
- Airport impact
- A Tuesday barrage forced the closure of Jeddah’s main international airport.
- Saudi accusation
- Saudi Arabia accused the Houthis of launching a drone attack on Mecca on Wednesday.
- Diplomatic efforts
- Mohammed bin Salman has turned to Oman and Egypt to help broker de-escalation.
- Oil infrastructure
- The East-West pipeline, described as carrying around 4% of the world’s oil supply, has been closed amid regional attacks.