An Italian military aircraft was hit during an attack on the Taif air base in Saudi Arabia, according to verified reports from regional officials and news agencies. The incident has drawn a sharp response from Houthi officials in Sanaa, who maintain they are not at war with Italy while questioning the presence of foreign aircraft supporting Saudi operations.
The strike on the Taif air base occurred alongside multiple explosions near the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, where residents and eyewitness reports cited by Agence France-Presse and the Jerusalem Post noted a large column of black smoke and flames. Flightradar24 reported severe disruptions, cancellations, and delays at the Saudi capital’s airport following the blasts. According to an AFP reporter at the scene, a fuel tank bearing the logo of the Saudi oil giant Aramco caught fire near the airport, prompting a response from local firefighters.
Houthi Statements on the Italian Military Presence
Addressing the strike on the Taif base, Muhammad Mansur, an information ministry official for the Houthi government in Sanaa, stated to ANSA that the group’s actions constitute a legitimate armed response to prolonged Saudi aggression. Mansur asserted that the movement is not at war with Italy and holds no intention of involving the country, while simultaneously asking why Italian aircraft are stationed in Saudi Arabia to support Riyadh’s campaign.
Corroborating these remarks through Adnkronos, Nasr al-Din Amer, vice head of the Houthi Media Authority and chairman of Saba news agency, reiterated that the group’s conflict is exclusively with the Saudi administration, which he stated has blockaded and attacked Yemen for 12 years. The Houthi faction has targeted energy infrastructure with which Riyadh exports its crude oil avoiding the Strait of Hormuz.
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Italian Political Reactions and Defense Sture
In response to questions regarding the military footprint in the region, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto defended the deployment, stating that Italy is not at war and emphasizing that the military presence in Saudi Arabia was never kept secret, nor was Parliament excluded from the decision-making process. Crosetto confirmed that no Italian military personnel were involved in the strike on the Eurofighter or F-2000 aircraft, adding that security measures are already in place.
Opposition lawmakers have countered by demanding that the minister report directly to Parliament on the situation. Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council issued a firm condemnation of the Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, urging the Iranian-backed Yemeni rebels to halt their military escalation immediately.
Regional Security Stances and Diplomatic Context
Weighing in on the broader security architecture of the Middle East, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared via Al Jazeera that sustainable security cannot be imposed from outside the region. Araghchi maintained that regional stability requires direct dialogue and trust-building among neighboring states rather than reliance on foreign military presences or external interference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What military asset was struck in Saudi Arabia?
An Italian military aircraft, specifically referenced as an Eurofighter or F-2000 in agency reports, was hit during an attack on the Taif air base.
Were any Italian service members injured in the incident?
According to Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, no military personnel were involved in the strike.
What is the official Houthi position regarding Italy?
Houthi officials Muhammad Mansur and Nasr al-Din Amer stated that their movement is not at war with Italy and does not wish to involve the country, while questioning the purpose of Italian aircraft supporting Saudi military operations.
How will European nations adjust their military cooperation and posture in the Arabian Peninsula following these strikes?
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