UK to offer Saudi Arabia aerial refueling to counter Houthi attacks

Andy Burnham announced that the UK will offer defensive air-to-air refuelling support to Saudi Arabia in response to Houthi attacks from Yemen. This assistance is expected to commence within days, involving a single British Voyager aircraft stationed at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. The decision came following Saudi Arabia's request for military aid, which Prime Minister Burnham approved based on the advice of Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband.

Officials stated that the support is time-limited, likely lasting several weeks. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have been engaged in a civil war with Yemen's internationally recognized government, which receives backing from Saudi Arabia. In recent days, the Houthis have carried out drone and ballistic missile attacks on Riyadh and energy facilities on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast.

The UK's defensive support aims to aid Saudi air force jets in shooting down incoming Houthi missiles and drones. Prime Minister Burnham connected the decision to rising cost-of-living pressures and the need to preserve vital shipping routes through the Red Sea, which are crucial for the global economy. These routes were recently threatened when the Houthis seized control of the strategic port city of Mokha and Perim Island.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte hinted at potential European involvement in supporting Saudi Arabia's efforts against the Houthis. The UK previously joined the US in launching air strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen in January 2024, citing self-defense against attacks on ships, including a Royal Navy vessel.