A US newspaper has claimed that Saudi Arabia’s refusal to provide airspace access for “Project Freedom” forced US President Donald Trump to halt the operation.
According to the newspaper’s report, Trump’s attempt to persuade Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a telephone conversation was unsuccessful.
The report further stated that Saudi Arabia was displeased at not being informed in advance about “Project Freedom” and subsequently restricted US military personnel’s access to an American military base in Riyadh.
According to the report, the United States was informed that its aircraft would not be permitted to operate from the Riyadh base.
It added that Trump was compelled to suspend “Project Freedom” in order to ensure continued access for American military personnel to the US military facility.
The report noted that the American base in Saudi Arabia hosts US fighter aircraft, aerial refuelling tankers, and air defence systems.
It further stated that fighter aircraft operating from the base were considered essential for ensuring the protection of US naval vessels involved in “Project Freedom”.
