UK Offers Limited Military Support to Saudi Arabia Amid Houthi Attacks
Britain has agreed to provide limited military support to Saudi Arabia in response to attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. According to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, the Royal Air Force will offer air-to-air refueling of Saudi planes for a matter of weeks, with the agreement subject to review.
The conflict between the Houthis and Yemen's Saudi-backed government has escalated in recent days, with the Houthis launching missile and drone strikes against Saudi Arabia. On Saturday, one such strike targeted Riyadh but was intercepted by Saudi defenses.
Burnham stated that he is 'acting to secure the interests of Britain and the wider region' by providing this support, as it is critical to keep passages for oil open at a moment when Saudi Arabia is facing attacks. The U.K. has condemned the Houthi attacks and will work with partners to support regional stability, protect civilians, and support humanitarian access.
The agreement will reportedly start in the coming days and involve one RAF Voyager refueling Saudi planes on 'defensive' missions. This development comes as Saudi Arabia has asked its allies, including France, Britain, Pakistan, and Egypt, to deploy air-defense support to the region to help defend against missiles and drones fired by Houthis and other Iran-backed groups.