UK agrees support for Saudi Arabia in struggle with Houthis

The British prime minister, Andy Burnham, has agreed to provide military support to Saudi Arabia in their struggle against the Houthis, according to media reports. This assistance will involve the UK's Voyager tanker providing air-to-air refueling for Saudi jets, a mission expected to commence within days and last several weeks.

The UK's role will be limited to supporting Saudi aircraft defending against drone and missile attacks, rather than engaging in strikes against the Houthis. According to PA news agency, this additional support comes in addition to the UK's Sky Sabre air defense system already deployed in Saudi Arabia. Burnham stated that this action was taken to safeguard the interests of Britain and the wider region, noting the recent Houthi attack on Riyadh and the Houthis' recent takeover of the Red Sea coast, which threatens vital trade routes.

Since 2015, Saudi Arabia has been leading a coalition in support of the internationally recognized Yemeni government, though this intervention has exacerbated the country's humanitarian crisis.