The UK government announced on Tuesday that it will send RAF Typhoon jets to protect Saudi Arabia from increasing Houthi missile and drone attacks. Prime Minister Andy Burnham authorized this decision to defend Saudi cities and key infrastructure from the Iran-backed group, which has stepped up its attacks in recent weeks.
Key Details
This deployment comes after recent Houthi strikes on Riyadh. These included attacks on King Khalid International Airport, which led to 14 deaths and over 300 injuries. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the Typhoon jets will only operate defensively and will not conduct offensive operations against the Houthis. The UK will also send military advisers and an RAF A400M transport aircraft to help move defense equipment within Saudi Arabia.
The UK has been providing military support to Saudi Arabia, including air-to-air refueling for Saudi operations, which has now been extended by 90 days. Streeting stressed the importance of this support, noting the disruption to energy supplies and rising costs for families and businesses due to the conflict. He stated, "The targeting of Riyadh airport shows the lengths the Houthis are going to escalate the situation in the region."
Background
The conflict has intensified since the Houthis launched a military offensive in September, raising regional tensions. The UK has been a long-time military ally of Saudi Arabia, with BAE Systems supplying Typhoon jets as part of a £4.4 billion deal. The UK’s military role in the region has included defensive missions against missile threats from Iran and its proxies.
The deployment of UK jets may heighten tensions in the Gulf region. This could impact oil prices and energy supply chains. Investors will monitor any further escalation in military actions or retaliatory strikes that might disrupt oil production or transport.
Stay tuned for updates on the situation in Yemen and any changes in the UK’s military strategy in the region.
Based on reporting by: bbc.co.uk, theguardian.com