US Approves Nearly $2 Billion Arms Sale to Saudi Arabia

US Approves Nearly $2 Billion Arms Sale to Saudi Arabia

US Approves Nearly 2 Billion Arms – On July 15, 2026, the U.S. State Department announced the approval of a $1.96 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia. The transaction aims to bolster the security of a key non-NATO ally, which plays a central role in maintaining stability and fostering economic growth across the Gulf. The decision was highlighted in a press release cited by Xinhua and Antara.

The sale is being led by BAE Systems as the primary contractor, according to the department. This move follows heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have been engaged in a protracted conflict. The Houthi-led group recently launched missiles at Saudi territory, accusing the kingdom of bombing an airport under their control.

Houthi-Saudi Escalation

The Houthi rebels, based in Yemen’s northern regions, claimed responsibility for missile strikes targeting southern Saudi areas. These attacks, reported by The Business Standard, ended a four-year ceasefire in the ongoing regional dispute. The Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, stated the strikes were directed at Abha International Airport, a key hub in Saudi Arabia’s southern region near the Yemeni border.

“We targeted the international airport in Abha, where many Saudis flee the summer heat,” said Yahya Saree, representing the Houthi movement.

Saudi officials reported intercepting the missiles, emphasizing their role as a deterrent against ongoing threats. The conflict has intensified since March 2022, when Houthi attacks on Saudi energy facilities disrupted the informal ceasefire.

Iranian Aircraft

Earlier on July 13, the Houthi group accused Saudi forces of conducting airstrikes on Sanaa International Airport, a critical facility in northern Yemen. The attack, which was attributed to the Yemeni government, was intended to block Iranian planes from landing, according to defense ministry statements.

“Our forces targeted the runway to prevent Iranian aircraft from violating Yemeni sovereignty,” said a spokesperson for the Yemeni government.

The Yemeni authorities also warned airlines to avoid Saudi airspace until the blockade on Sanaa airport is lifted. However, it remains unclear whether measures were taken to stop the aircraft from reaching Hodeidah, a Houthi-controlled airport located approximately 150 km southwest of Sanaa along Yemen’s Red Sea coast.

Read: US Fires at Oil Tanker in Strait of Hormuz, Iran: ‘We Never Welcomed War’

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News.