UK to Provide Defensive Air Support to Saudi Arabia Against Houthi Militia Attacks

LONDON: Britain has agreed to provide limited defensive air support to Saudi Arabia following a request from Riyadh amid attacks by the Houthi militia in Yemen.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the UK would deploy a Royal Air Force Voyager aircraft from Cyprus to provide defensive air-to-air refuelling for Saudi aircraft.

The support is expected to be time-limited and initially last for several weeks. The arrangement is intended to assist Saudi Arabia in defending its territory and energy infrastructure against drone and missile attacks.

The decision follows a series of attacks attributed to the Houthi militia, including strikes targeting areas in and around Riyadh and Saudi energy infrastructure.

Burnham said protecting important regional routes and maintaining the flow of energy were among the reasons behind the British decision.

Britain has also stressed the importance of maintaining the security of shipping routes in the Red Sea and surrounding waters.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a major international maritime route connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is important for global trade.

The latest British deployment comes amid wider regional tensions involving Iran, the United States, Saudi Arabia and the Houthi militia.

The UK said its support was defensive in nature and intended to help protect Saudi Arabia and contribute to regional stability.