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Houthis strike Saudi Arabia despite its 83 billion dollar defence spending

By , based on Egypt Independent

Houthis strike Saudi Arabia despite its 83 billion dollar defence spending

Saudi Arabia spent 83 billion dollars on defence last year, but is still struggling to protect its airports, refineries and pipelines from Houthi missiles and drones. Recent attacks on Riyadh airport highlight the limits of a system equipped with advanced American and European weapons, according to Egypt Independent.

The Houthis, an armed Yemeni movement, carried out deadly attacks on the airport serving Riyadh over the past week, despite Saudi defence systems. Saudi Arabia spent 83 billion dollars on defence last year, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, reports Egypt Independent.

The kingdom has American fighter jets and Patriot and THAAD missile-defence systems, while relying on several layers of air defence. This equipment has not prevented missile and drone strikes targeting strategic Saudi infrastructure, including airports, refineries and pipelines.

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