Britain Deploys Typhoon Jets to Defend Saudi Arabia Against Houthi Attacks
SCMP · 3 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago1 MIN
Summary
The United Kingdom announced on Tuesday that it will deploy Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets to Saudi Arabia to conduct defensive counter-air missions against Houthi rebel attacks . The deployment, authorized by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, forms part of additional defensive military support to the allied kingdom .
Key Points
- RAF Typhoon jets will conduct defensive air missions to protect Saudi cities and critical national infrastructure from Houthi drones and missiles
- The aircraft will operate strictly in a defensive role and will not conduct offensive strikes against Houthi positions
- An RAF A400M transport aircraft and military advisers will be deployed to support the movement of defence material within Saudi Arabia
- Riyadh's international airport has been struck 20 times this month, with a recent attack killing 13 people and injuring over 300
- Yemen's civil war reignited in September after a years-long truce collapsed, with Saudi Arabia leading a military coalition since 2015
Why It Matters
The deployment underscores Britain's commitment to its Gulf ally amid intensifying regional tensions, as Houthi naval blockades threaten Saudi oil exports and global energy supplies . The move comes as the United States and regional partners coordinate responses to Iran's alleged backing of Houthi forces, which Tehran denies .
The deployment underscores Britain's commitment to its Gulf ally amid intensifying regional tensions, as Houthi naval blockades threaten Saudi oil exports and global energy supplies . The move comes as the United States and regional partners coordinate responses to Iran's alleged backing of Houthi forces, which Tehran denies .