US troops seen at key Saudi airport

Southnews, 7 March 2003

Hundreds of American troops have taken control of a civilian airport in Saudi Arabia, close to the border with Iraq, according to a witness. The move—which has not been officially confirmed—calls into question the kingdom’s public statements that it will not facilitate a military strike against Iraq.

It also raises the prospect of a surprise US land attack on Baghdad across the desert from the south-west. The town of Ar’ar which the airport usually serves is only 255 miles from the Iraqi capital as the crow flies, through mostly unpopulated territory.

In Doha, Qatar Thursday Islamic countries, which includes Saudi Arabia, vowed to abstain from participating in any military action against Iraq and reject any attempt aimed at imposing changes in the region.

The pledge was contained in a nine-point communique following an extraordinary summit of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) here as a last-ditch effort to help avert a possible war against Iraq.

The day-long meeting rejected any strike against Iraq or threat to the security and safety of any Islamic countries.

The leaders emphasised the need to settle the Iraqi question through peaceful means within the framework of the United Nations and in accordance with the relevant resolutions.

Hundreds of American troops have taken control of a civilian airport in Saudi Arabia, close to the border with Iraq, according to a witness. The move—which has not been officially confirmed—calls into question the kingdom’s public statements that it will not facilitate a military strike against the Baghdad regime.

It also raises the prospect of a surprise US land attack on Baghdad across the desert from the south-west. The town of Ar’ar which the airport usually serves is only 255 miles from the Iraqi capital as the crow flies, through mostly unpopulated territory.

This could provide a swift and relatively trouble-free route to the capital, in contrast to the drive from Basra through southern Iraq that the bulk of invading American forces are expected to take.

A passenger travelling through the airport in Ar’ar reported US transport planes landing large amounts of heavy equipment.

The Americans are controlling the airport, he told the Saudi Institute, a Washington-based organisation that promotes reform in the kingdom.

The Saudi defence ministry has issued an order—a copy of which has been seen by the Guardian—closing the airport from last Wednesday until further notice.

Saudi Arabia has been nervous about openly cooperating with the US, fearing it could inflame public opinion, and especially Islamic militants.