Saudi Arabia threatens to attack Qatar if it purchases Russian S-400 missile systems
Saudi Arabia threatened to use military force against Qatar if Doha purchased Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems, reported the French newspaper Le Monde.
According to the newspaper, the King of Saudi Arabia, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent a letter to Paris asking the President of France, Emmanuel Macron to increase pressure on Qatar in order to prevent it from purchasing Russian S-400 missile systems.
The letter expressed the readiness of Saudi Arabia to carry out “military operation” against Qatar if Doha purchased these missile systems. Riyadh is adamant that the appearance of the S-400 in Qatar will affect the security in the region and will lead to an escalation of the tensions.
Le Monde recalls that the Ambassador of Qatar to Moscow, Fahad bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah first spoke in January this year about the countries intention to purchase S-400 missile systems. Later, it was reported that Moscow and Doha could quickly reach an agreement on the acquisition and supply of these missile systems.
The newspaper writes that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France did not comment on the information on the existence of the letter. The authorities of Saudi Arabia had no comments either.