Shielding of Strategic Security Interests and Its Implications

Abstract

Drones have the capability of causing disruption and damage to military and economic assets. They are capable of effectively engaging strategic security interests. While they have been used frequently in Afghanistan and decimated a few leaders what shook the world was the events of September 14, 2019. During the early hours, as many as 18 drones and seven cruise missiles attacked two Saudi Arabian oil plants destroying nearly 50 percent of the country's global supply crude. The Houthi rebel group in neighboring Yemen allegedly claimed responsibility for 10 drone attacks. However, the United States and the Arab countries led by Saudi Arabia speculated a major role was played by Iran in it. Iran has denied the charge. Reports state that almost 25 drones were used which points more to Iran than Houthi. The attacks decimated Saudi Arabia's oil facilities and cut the country's oil output by 5 million barrels every day. This led to a surge in oil prices as Saudi Arabia is the world's leading oil exporter.