Rome, Sept 20. (dpa/GNA) – An Italian fighter jet has been heavily damaged on the ground during aerial attacks on a military base in Saudi Arabia, the defence ministry in Rome said on Friday.
The Eurofighter, designated as an F-2000, was parked in a remote area within the Saudi base in Taif, according to the ministry. No injuries were reported in the incident.
“There is no further damage to vehicles or infrastructure used by our personnel,” said Defence Minister Guido Crosetto.
The attacks, which also affected another base and an oil facility, are attributed to the Houthi militia in neighbouring Yemen, which is armed with drones and missiles.
Saudi Arabia’s air force is currently flying combat missions against targets in Yemen, to support the government there in its fight against the Shiite militia.
In a lightning offensive last week, the Houthis brought the entire Red Sea coast of Yemen under their control.
Italy participates in various international missions in the region.
GNA