UK APPROVES DEFENSIVE MILITARY SUPPORT FOR SAUDI ARABIA AMID HOUTHI ATTACKS

The United Kingdom has agreed to provide additional military support to Saudi Arabia following renewed attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham approved Riyadh’s request for assistance after consultations with the defence and foreign secretaries, with the support focused on defensive air-to-air refuelling for Saudi aircraft. The arrangement is time-limited and will be reviewed as the security situation develops.

Under the agreement, the Royal Air Force will deploy a Voyager aircraft in the coming days to refuel Saudi fighter jets carrying out defensive missions. British officials said the operation is intended to help Saudi Arabia respond to missile and drone attacks rather than support offensive strikes against Houthi targets. The UK Ministry of Defence said the assistance builds on its existing contribution to Saudi Arabia’s air-defence capabilities, including equipment and personnel involved in protecting the kingdom from missile and drone attacks.

The decision comes after the Houthis intensified attacks against Saudi Arabia as fighting in Yemen escalated. The group has launched missile and drone attacks towards Saudi territory, including an attack targeting Riyadh that was intercepted. The Houthis have also expanded their presence in parts of Yemen, including the seizure of the port city of Mocha and strategic islands in the Red Sea, developments that have raised concerns about threats to shipping along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Burnham said Britain’s involvement was linked to both regional security and British interests, particularly the need to keep important energy and trade routes open. The Bab el-Mandeb is a major maritime route connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is used by large volumes of commercial shipping. The British government said disruption in the region could also affect energy supplies, prices and businesses in the UK.

The UK and Saudi Arabia have maintained longstanding military and security ties, with Britain continuing to provide defence assistance to the kingdom. The latest support will begin in the coming days and remain under review, while London has also expressed support for diplomatic efforts to resolve the wider conflict in Yemen. British authorities said the objective of the latest deployment is to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ability to defend itself while contributing to regional stability and protecting vital trade and energy routes.