The U.S. is pulling two Patriot missile batteries and some fighter aircraft out of Saudi Arabia, an American official said Thursday, amid tensions between the kingdom and the Trump administration over oil production.

The official said the decision removes two batteries that were guarding oil facilities in Saudi Arabia but leaves two Patriot batteries at Prince Sultan Air Base in the Saudi desert, along with other air defense systems and jet fighters.

The decision scales back the American presence in Saudi Arabia just months after the Pentagon began a military buildup there to counter threats from Iran. About 300 troops that staff the two batteries would also leave Saudi Arabia, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military operations.

The move comes as the U.S. has sent Patriot systems into Iraq to protect American and allied troops there, who came under an Iranian missile attack earlier this year. The Army has a limited number of the systems, and they routinely must be brought home for upgrades.

Two other Patriot batteries that are in the Middle East region are also heading home to the U.S., in a planned redeployment for maintenance and upgrades.

It's not clear, however, whether the ongoing oil dispute or the struggle to parcel out the much-coveted Patriot systems was the key factor in the U.S. decision to pull systems out of the kingdom.

Asked about the move Thursday, President Donald Trump said, “We’re making a lot of moves in the Middle East and elsewhere. We do a lot of things all over the world, militarily we’ve been taken advantage of all over the world."

He didn't provide details, but added, "This has nothing to do with Saudi Arabia. This has to do with other countries, frankly, much more.”

When Saudi Arabia ramped up oil production and slashed prices this year, Republicans accused the kingdom of exacerbating instability in the oil market, which was already suffering because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The volatility and price crash in oil hurt U.S. shale producers, leading to layoffs in the industry, particularly in Republican-run states.

Some Republican senators warned in late March that if Saudi Arabia did not change course, it risked losing American defense support and facing a range of potential “levers of statecraft” such as tariffs and other trade restrictions, investigations and sanctions.

The U.S. official said a THAAD anti-ballistic missile defense system will also remain in Saudi Arabia. The THAAD complements the Patriots by providing a defense against ballistic missiles traveling outside Earth’s atmosphere.

The Saudi government and the Saudi Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. State-run media in the kingdom similarly did not immediately acknowledge the troop removal.

The Pentagon announced last year that it would begin deploying forces and Patriot batteries to Prince Sultan Air Base, a former U.S. military hub. The move was one of the more dramatic signs of America’s decision to beef up troops in the Middle East in response to threats from Iran.

When Gen. Frank McKenzie, top U.S. commander for the Middle East, visited the base earlier this year, the American troop presence had grown to roughly 2,500. At the time, McKenzie told reporters with him that the base was a key strategic location, but that continued presence of troops and weapons there would depend on other national security needs around the world.

Tensions with Iran escalated throughout last summer and fall, as the U.S. blamed Tehran for using mines to target oil tankers near the strategic Strait of Hormuz and for attacking Saudi oil facilities. Violence peaked when the U.S. carried out a drone strike in Iraq that killed Qassem Soleimani, Iran’s top general.

In response, Iran on Jan. 8 fired ballistic missiles at al-Asad Air Base in Iraq where U.S. troops were stationed. More than 100 troops were later diagnosed with traumatic brain injury.

At the time of the attack, the U.S. had no Patriot defenses at those bases because it judged other locations, in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the Gulf, to be more likely Iranian targets. After the attack, the U.S. decided to move Patriots into Iraq to give troops more protection from missiles.

Tensions with Iran remain high. Its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard was involved in a tense incident in the Persian Gulf last month. The Guard's small boats repeatedly came dangerously close to U.S. warships, crossing in front of them multiple times. And the Guard is believed to have briefly seized control of a Hong Kong-flagged oil tanker.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-pulls-anti-missile-systems-185806299.html

hmm!

All we want is peace, let peace reign.

Saw this news on Al Jazeera recently....America knows what dey are doing. Saudi is covered

That shi* is useless in the first place. Removing it makes no significant difference.

Lol. The cost of running the bases with current economic downturn is hitting the American purse. Expect more of these news in coming days. America will have to prioritize her missions around the globe and expect China and Russia to capitalize on it.

First, American oil companies are laying off workers because cost production has become almost at a loss. Next they claim unemployment benefits and government pays. Then same government has reduced tax from the companies and individuals and you still expect them to run foreign missions comfortably.

Unless they decide to print more dollars, that can't happen

Originality007:
Saw this news on Al Jazeera recently....America knows what dey are doing. Saudi is covered

Oh yea Saudi was covered when the houthis flew their kamikaze drones into Saudi airspace bypassing Saudi THAAD, Raytheon air defence systems last year Spetember. Do you know how many times those guys have carried out successful mission inside saudi arabia bypassing over hyped U.S radars in Saudi arsenal?

https://www.nairaland.com/5417469/saudi-arabia-worlds-largest-arms

michlins:
Lol. The cost of running the bases with current economic downturn is hitting the American purse. Expect more of these news in coming days. America will have to prioritize her missions around the globe and expect China and Russia to capitalize on it.

First, American oil companies are laying off workers because cost production has become almost at a loss. Next they claim unemployment benefits and government pays. Then same government has reduced tax from the companies and individuals and you still expect them to run foreign missions comfortably.

Unless they decide to print more dollars, that can't happen

You didn't even bother to find out the reason but just input your own incoherent unrealistic mindly guess all because it's America the enemy of jihadist all over

Daddysidhan:
You didn't even bother to find out the reason but just input your own incoherent unrealistic mindly guess all because it's America the enemy of jihadist all over

today is Saturday so let me engage you. America is fighting with Saudi Arabia for the later part in crashing the price of crude oil in the global market making it impossible for American shale producers to operate and thereby costing American government billions of dollars in this case. As a deterrent, America decided to take those missiles home thereby leaving them vulnerable to attacks from Iran sponsored Kurdish forces.

My earlier submission is the effects of Saudi decision on the American people but your brain can't figure it out. But that's alright. I have explained it to you. Need further explanation, use Google

dermmy:


Oh yea Saudi was covered when the houthis flew their kamikaze drones into Saudi airspace bypassing Saudi THAAD, Raytheon air defence systems last year Spetember. Do you know how many times those guys have carried out successful mission inside saudi arabia bypassing U.S over hyped radars in Saudi arsenal?

https://www.nairaland.com/5417469/saudi-arabia-worlds-largest-arms

bro eh. These people will watch Hollywood finish and then assume America and her allies are untouchable. Iran successfully bombed American airbase in Iraq even when they were on high alert and expecting such attacks. They denied casualty to save face but days later, reports of soldiers flown home for various degrees of injuries which might even be deaths sef. But that's alright

michlins:
bro eh. These people will watch Hollywood finish and then assume America and her allies are untouchable. Iran successfully bombed American airbase in Iraq even when they were on high alert and expecting such attacks. They denied casualty to save face but days later, reports of soldiers flown home for various degrees of injuries which might even be deaths sef. But that's alright

You've said it all sir. That guy called Daddysidhan is just too ignorant. He is one of the post-utme students in this foreign affair section i pray that FG should lift the lock down very soon so these guys can gain admission into higher institution. They way these guys think ehhhh.

Daddysidhan:
You didn't even bother to find out the reason but just input your own incoherent unrealistic mindly guess all because it's America the enemy of jihadist all over

So you've found out the reason? clap for yourself

Saudi Arabia should be ready, the houthis will capitalize on this

dermmy:


You've said it all sir. That guy called Daddysidhan is just too ignorant. He is one of the post-utme students in this foreign affair section i pray that FG should lift the lock down very soon so these guys can gain admission into higher institution. They way these guys think ehhhh.

You guys are so unrealistic, America allowed that attack to calm tensions. There was also no missile defence in Iraq for your info.

Aramco was a political game played by the us and also the saudis, not all you see is as it is. If u think in your dream that iranian or houthi tech can beat american + isreali, think again. Even your almighty bear.�

illitrate:


You guys are so unrealistic, America allowed that attack to calm tensions. There is was also no missile defence in Iraq for your info.

Aramco was a political game played by the us and also the saudis, not all you see is as it is. If u think in your dream that iranian or houthi tech can beat american + isreali, think again. Even your almighty bear.�

Lols. Ok sir

lordm:
Saudi Arabia should be ready, the houthis will capitalize on this

Saudi will bow to US pressure soon, next few months they did cut productions to all time low, they know they are in deep soup should US pull half of her troops from their soil.

These guys can barely fly a jet, they so much need Americans around.

Efewestern:


Saudi will bow to US pressure soon, next few months they did cut productions to all time low, they know they are in deep soup should US pull half of her troops from their soil.

These guys can barely fly a jet, they so much need Americans around.

Any nation that depends solely on American security is not a safe nation. Germany still spending heavily on her own millitary despite her close relationship with the US, this says a lot. The best thing for Saudis is to initiate a peace deal with Iran if not for today but for the future.

Hmnn...you get sense

Olominira:

Any nation that depends solely on American security is not a safe nation. Germany still spending heavily on her own millitary despite her close relationship with the US, this says a lot. The best thing for Saudis is to initiate a peace deal with Iran if not for today but for the future.

Olominira:

Any nation that depends solely on American security is not a safe nation. Germany still spending heavily on her own millitary despite her close relationship with the US, this says a lot. The best thing for Saudis is to initiate a peace deal with Iran if not for today but for the future.

Saudi choose to be weak, they personally want their armed forces weakened so as to protect the Royal family/throne, they do not practice meritocracy but nepotism,favouritism,...

Most army generals are some royal princes with little experience, no serious training, how do these people face real life threats? No serious nation solely depends on others for security, even their royal guards are mostly Pakistanis, this is to tell you how horrible their armed forces are

So definitely a peace deal with Iran is the only way out for them, should oil becomes worthless, the west will leave the region, when that happens, can they face battle hardened Iran who is looking for every means to cripple the kingdom?

dermmy:


Oh yea Saudi was covered when the houthis flew their kamikaze drones into Saudi airspace bypassing Saudi THAAD, Raytheon air defence systems last year Spetember. Do you know how many times those guys have carried out successful mission inside saudi arabia bypassing over hyped U.S radars in Saudi arsenal?

https://www.nairaland.com/5417469/saudi-arabia-worlds-largest-arms

And what has stopped the Houthis now to attack? Since they now have chance to attack saudi freely.

illitrate:


You guys are so unrealistic, America allowed that attack to calm tensions. There was also no missile defence in Iraq for your info.

Aramco was a political game played by the us and also the saudis, not all you see is as it is. If u think in your dream that iranian or houthi tech can beat american + isreali, think again. Even your almighty bear.�

Thank you bro, they are so obsessed with America to d extent that wen u attack anything America even if is an ant they belive u have achieve something. If iran realy mean bizness wen America assassinate Suleiman who is a commander of Iran Revolutionary Guard why can dey try to shoot missile to d America embassy in Israel or America in Iraq to really show dey mean bizness or other than shooting at an empty military base

lordm:
Saudi Arabia should be ready, the houthis will capitalize on this

Houthis will do nothing

michlins:
bro eh. These people will watch Hollywood finish and then assume America and her allies are untouchable. Iran successfully bombed American airbase in Iraq even when they were on high alert and expecting such attacks. They denied casualty to save face but days later, reports of soldiers flown home for various degrees of injuries which might even be deaths sef. But that's alright

No casualty was recorded. Was expecting ur Iran to more serious by fire missiles to America embassy in Israel or iraq that is closer to dem, then dey will come and prove dey mean biz. A whole General was assassinated and u think firing few missiles at an empty Military base is best revenge.. that is just a coward act

Efewestern:


Saudi choose to be weak, they personally want their armed forces weakened so as to protect the Royal family/throne, they do not practice meritocracy but nepotism,favouritism,...

Most army generals are some royal princes with little experience, no serious training, how do these people face real life threats? No serious nation solely depends on others for security, even their royal guards are mostly Pakistanis, this is to tell you how horrible their armed forces are

So definitely a peace deal with Iran is the only way out for them, should oil becomes worthless, the west will leave the region, when that happens, can they face battle hardened Iran who is looking for every means to cripple the kingdom?

You're right, but I think the West would never allow them to make peace with Iran. Making peace with Iran would defeat their major purpose of staying in the region.

Some comment on this thread are just disgusting. Imagine downplaying attack on military base. Was it not a naval base that Japan attacked during WWII that got them 2 nukes? See as he dey talk about embassy as if US embassy hasn't been attacked more than once in the region. This same Iran captured a US embassy during the revolution. Iran's allies in Iraq almost captured the US embassy in Iraq earlier this year, and those are just poorly trained militias.

kemicalreact:
You're right, but I think the West would never allow them to make peace with Iran. Making peace with Iran would defeat their major purpose of staying in the region.

That's another angle, and a unity between them will be a threat to America's greatest ally, Israel. If there should be any cooperation, one of the two needs to give room for the other to influence. As it stands, the Islamic leadership in Iran remains a threat to the house of Saud royal family, which the west has continued to capitalize on.

So a peace deal might just be an illusion.

Dermmy the jihadist is trying too hard to blow an ordinary misunderstanding out of proportion, I always know you to be an emotional idiot on this forum. America can never fight the Saudis because of the pact between the two countries even trump said it recently when the US senate does not want to approve the sale of military ware to Saudis he said if we do not sale the ammunitions to them they will go to the Russians And he does not want that to happen. So dermmy the Islamist propagator calm not everyone is suffering from your kind of illness

dermmy:


So you've found out the reason? clap for yourself

Trump, Saudi King Salman Reaffirm Strong 'defence Partnership' - Emotional dermmy see ya American hate filled life outside olofo ton binu ologo

Daddysidhan:
Trump, Saudi King Salman Reaffirm Strong 'defence Partnership' - Emotional dermmy see ya American hate filled life outside olofo ton binu ologo

You statement is riddled with ignorance and stupidity. Counter his points objectively instead of committing ad hominem.

illitrate:


You guys are so unrealistic, America allowed that attack to calm tensions. There was also no missile defence in Iraq for your info.

Aramco was a political game played by the us and also the saudis, not all you see is as it is. If u think in your dream that iranian or houthi tech can beat american + isreali, think again. Even your almighty bear.�

Many people on this site are so emotionally unintelligent. They don't even know that the THAAD and patriot system are more battle tested than any air defense system.
Aside the Aramco missile attack last year, ask the guy to provide you another successful missile attack by the houthis and watch how dumb and stupid he will sound. Asked him whether houtis have stop firing missiles into Saudi or have they run out of missile to fire. But Saudi Arabia are still pounding them at Yemen even in the midst of this pandemic.
Air defense system around the world will not always work upto maximum expectations that's why Syrian air force operate freely in Turkey's airspace despite Turkey's S-400 system.

TabletMan:
Many people on this site are so emotionally unintelligent. They don't even know that the THAAD and patriot system are more battle tested than any air defense system.
Aside the Aramco missile attack last year, ask the guy to provide you another successful missile attack by the houthis and watch how dumb and stupid he will sound. Asked him whether houtis have stop firing missiles into Saudi or have they run out of missile to fire. But Saudi Arabia are still pounding them at Yemen even in the midst of this pandemic.
Air defense system around the world will not always work upto maximum expectations that's why Syrian air force operate freely in Turkey's airspace despite Turkey's S-400 system.

Before the Aramco attack last year how many times have the houthis launched clean and precise attack in Saudi Arabia? It's like you don't know the timeline of houthis attack in Saudi Arabia or you think their attack started with the last year Aramco oil plant? Lol

Please when did Syrian airforce start operating freely in Turkey's airspace? Why would Bashar Al Asad send his airforce into Turkey? Are you this dumb or are you on hemp?. This is one of the dumbest post I have seen in this section. I'm sure you are a revenant who just got back from the dead. Syrian jets violating Turkey's airspace under the watch of S-400

TabletMan:
Many people on this site are so emotionally unintelligent. They don't even know that the THAAD and patriot system are more battle tested than any air defense system.
Aside the Aramco missile attack last year, ask the guy to provide you another successful missile attack by the houthis and watch how dumb and stupid he will sound. Asked him whether houtis have stop firing missiles into Saudi or have they run out of missile to fire. But Saudi Arabia are still pounding them at Yemen even in the midst of this pandemic.
Air defense system around the world will not always work upto maximum expectations that's why Syrian air force operate freely in Turkey's airspace despite Turkey's S-400 system.

The houthis were complaining the other day that the Saudi regime is violating truce and still pounding villages, killing women and children ( it is always women and children when they are hit.), I commented on presstv.ir that what happened to the state of the art air defense the recently boasted about?

TabletMan:
Many people on this site are so emotionally unintelligent. They don't even know that the THAAD and patriot system are more battle tested than any air defense system.
Aside the Aramco missile attack last year, ask the guy to provide you another successful missile attack by the houthis and watch how dumb and stupid he will sound. Asked him whether houtis have stop firing missiles into Saudi or have they run out of missile to fire. But Saudi Arabia are still pounding them at Yemen even in the midst of this pandemic.
Air defense system around the world will not always work upto maximum expectations that's why Syrian air force operate freely in Turkey's airspace despite Turkey's S-400 system.

Name where they're tested or STFU. Don't quote facts outta ur azz, back it up with reputable sources.