Satellite imagery has revealed that Saudi Arabia is targeting Israel and Iran with powerful ballistic missiles.
Saudi Arabia doesn’t have formal ties with Israel. But it’s been believed that Saudi maintains a quiet, behind-scenes diplomatic relationship with Israel, as a hushed effort to keep regional peace, the Telegraph reported. Both Saudi Arabia and Israel regard Iran as the enemy.
The satellite pictures show a previously undisclosed surface-to-surface missile base in the middle of the Saudi desert, the Telegraph reported. Analysts say they saw in the images at least two launch pads — one pointing toward Tel Aviv and another toward Tehran.
The base is home to Saudi’s DF-3 missiles which have a range of 1,500-2,500 miles. The missiles carry a two-ton payload, the Telegraph reported.
The base was constructed within the last five years, analysts said.
“Our assessment suggests that this base is either partly or fully operational, with the launch pads pointing in the directions of Israel and Iran, respectively,” said Robert Munks, the deputy editor of IHS Jane’s Intelligence Review, in the Telegraph. “We do not want to make too many inferences about the Saudi strategy, but clearly Saudi Arabia does not enjoy good relations with either Iran or Israel.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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