Italian F-2000 Aircraft Hit During Attacks on Saudi Air Base

ROME, Sept 18: An Italian F-2000 fighter aircraft was hit during attacks on the Ta’if air base in Saudi Arabia, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said on Friday, stressing that no Italian military personnel were involved in the incident.

Crosetto said he was closely following the situation at the Saudi base, where Italian personnel are stationed as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, according to the ANSA news agency. “During the attack, an Italian F-2000 aircraft was hit. It was inside the base, in a remote area. There is no other damage to vehicles or infrastructure used by our personnel,” Crosetto said. He added that he had requested further assessments of the developing situation, the condition of Italian personnel and possible operational options.

Crosetto said he had been assured that all necessary security measures to protect Italian military personnel had already been put in place. “The situation is being followed with the utmost attention, to ensure the full protection of our personnel and operate with the necessary responsibility,” he said.

Saudi Arabia has faced a series of missile and drone attacks attributed to the Houthis in recent days amid escalating regional tensions. Fighting between Yemeni government forces and the Houthis has also intensified since early July, ending a period of relative calm that had largely held since a UN-brokered truce took effect in April 2022.