The role of Peninsula Shield forces and Gulf security challenges following drone and missile attacks
According to Alhurra, as attacks and tensions continue in the Gulf region with ballistic missiles and drones hitting targets, security and political experts have discussed the reasons behind the lack of public deployment of Peninsula Shield forces in defending Saudi Arabia. Jasem Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, stated that member states have been targeted by about 7,000 missiles and drones since late February. Retired Kuwaiti security colonel Khaled Ibrahim Al-Salal told Alhurra that the lack of announced participation does not mean an absence of military coordination, but stems from political and military calculations and the need to develop decision-making mechanisms. Bahraini researcher Dr. Ahmed Al-Khuzaei also noted that Saudi Arabia possesses advanced military capabilities to respond to threats itself, and the Gulf countries' approach is based on a distribution of roles and mutual interests. Meanwhile, political writer and analyst Faisal Al-Shamari stressed that modern military cooperation requires advanced air defense coordination and intelligence sharing, and some forms of cooperation may remain unannounced for security reasons.