Italian aircraft was hit during air base attacks in Saudi Arabia. PHOTO: ANADOLU AGENCY

ROME: An Italian F-2000 fighter aircraft was hit during a series of attacks on the Ta’if air base in Saudi Arabia, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said on Friday.

Crosetto said he was closely monitoring the situation at the Saudi air base, where Italian military personnel are stationed as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, according to Italy’s ANSA news agency.

He confirmed that no Italian military personnel were involved in the incident.

“During the attack, an Italian F-2000 aircraft was hit. It was inside the base, in a remote area,” Crosetto said.

He added that there was no other reported damage to vehicles or infrastructure being used by Italian personnel.

The Italian defence minister said he had requested further assessments of the situation, including updates on the condition of Italian personnel and possible operational options.

Crosetto said he had also been assured that security measures to protect Italian military personnel had already been implemented.

“The situation is being followed with the utmost attention, with the aim of ensuring the full protection of our personnel and operating with the necessary responsibility,” he said.

Attacks on Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has faced a series of missile and drone attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi movement in recent days amid rising regional tensions.

Fighting between Yemeni government forces and the Houthis has also intensified since early July, ending a period of relative calm that had largely continued since a UN-brokered truce took effect in April 2022.

The latest developments have raised concerns about further escalation and the security of foreign military personnel stationed in the region.