CIA Uses Saudi Base For Drone Strikes In Yemen

The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has been using a remote base in Saudi Arabia to launch drone strikes in neighboring Yemen.

"The New York Times" reported on February 5 the CIA has been using the Saudi base to strike militants in Yemen, including one attack that killed U.S.-born Al-Qaeda operative Anwar al-Awlaki in 2010.

The location of the base was not given.

Some news organizations knew of the existence of the base prior to the report in "The New York Times" but refrained from reporting on it due to concerns that could hamper U.S. operations against Al-Qaeda.

The revelation of CIA use of a base in Saudi Arabia is likely to strain ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia.

Based on reporting by AP and dpa