The UK has approved further military support for Saudi Arabia, with RAF Typhoons set to fly defensive missions to protect the kingdom from Houthi drone and missile attacks. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed the deployment, which also includes military advisers and an Atlas A400M transport aircraft to help move equipment.
Defence Secretary condemns Houthi attacks
Mr Streeting said: “The continuing attacks from the Houthis on our ally Saudi Arabia are absolutely despicable. The targeting of the airport in Riyadh in particular shows the lengths the Houthis are going to escalate the situation in the region.”
“That’s why today I have approved further UK military support. RAF Typhoons will fly defensive air missions to help protect Saudi airspace from drones and missiles. This builds on the UK equipment and personnel we already have in the country to defend against Houthi air attacks.”
Background to the deployment
Prime Minister Andy Burnham last month announced that British planes would provide “defensive” air-to-air refuelling for Saudi jets. The Iran-backed Houthis have secured control over the Bab al-Mandab strait, a maritime chokepoint on the Red Sea vital for traffic heading to Europe through the Suez Canal.
The Saudis have been targeting the Houthis, while the Yemeni group has been firing missiles at the oil-rich kingdom.
