The United States has pulled out its most advanced missile defence system and Patriot batteries from Saudi Arabia recently, even as the kingdom faced continued airstrikes from Yemen’s Houthi rebels, satellite photos analysed by the Associated Press show.
While tens of thousands of American forces remain across the Arabian Peninsula as a counterbalance to Iran, Gulf countries worry about the future plans of America as its military perceives a growing menace in Asia that requires those missile defences.
“Perception matter whether or not they’re rooted in a cold, cold reality. And the perception is very clear that the US is not as committed to the Gulf as it used to be in the views of many people in decision-making authority in the region,” said Kristian Ulrichsen, a research fellow at the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy at Rice University.
A satellite image seen by the AP in August revealed some of the Patriot missile batteries removed from the area. A high-resolution Planet Lab satellite image taken on Friday showed the batteries’ pads at the site vacant, with no visible activity.
