The United Kingdom has agreed to provide limited military support to Saudi Arabia to help defend the country against attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the Royal Air Force would provide defensive air-to-air refuelling for Saudi aircraft following a request from Riyadh.
Burnham said the agreement would be time-limited and kept under review, stressing that the UK’s support would focus on helping Saudi aircraft defend against missile and drone attacks rather than supporting offensive strikes against the Houthis.
The British government said the mission is expected to begin in the coming days and will involve one RAF Voyager tanker aircraft refuelling Saudi jets engaged in defensive operations.
The decision comes after the Houthis intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia, including a missile attack targeting Riyadh that Saudi authorities said was intercepted.
The Houthis have also made territorial gains in Yemen, including capturing the strategic port city of Mocha and several islands in the Red Sea, increasing their ability to monitor shipping through the Bab al-Mandeb strait.
Burnham said the UK was acting to protect Britain’s interests and regional stability, as well as to help keep important oil transportation routes open.
The UK and Saudi Arabia have maintained close military ties for decades, with Britain also serving as one of Saudi Arabia’s major arms suppliers. Earlier this year, the UK deployed its Sky Sabre air-defence system to Saudi Arabia to help protect it from Iranian missile attacks during the US-Israel war with Iran.
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