Yemeni forces attack Houthis as Saudi Arabia seeks missile‑defence aid

Saudi Arabia has formally asked its regional partners for assistance in bolstering its missile‑defence capabilities as the United States reports a significant decline in its inventory of interceptor missiles. The Kingdom’s request, conveyed through diplomatic channels, seeks the deployment of additional air‑defence assets and technical support to protect critical infrastructure and population centers from potential ballistic missile threats emanating from the volatile Middle East theater.

U.S. defense officials confirm that the stockpile of key interceptor missiles, including Patriot PAC‑3 and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) rounds, has been reduced by more than 30 percent over the past year due to heightened operational tempo and limited production capacity. The shortage has prompted Washington to encourage allied nations to share surplus systems and coordinate joint training exercises. Analysts note that the convergence of Saudi Arabia’s request and the United States’ interceptor shortfall underscores growing concerns about regional missile proliferation and the need for a coordinated multinational response to maintain air‑defence readiness.