UK to offer Saudi Arabia aerial refueling to counter Houthi attacks

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced on Monday that the UK has agreed to provide limited military assistance to Saudi Arabia in response to attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. During his flight to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Burnham disclosed that the Royal Air Force will offer air-to-air refueling services to Saudi planes for a period of weeks. This agreement is subject to ongoing review.

The conflict between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government in Yemen has escalated once again, with the Houthis launching missile and drone strikes against Saudi Arabia, including one that targeted Riyadh on Saturday, which was intercepted. In addition, the Houthis have declared a blockade on Saudi shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea, attacking Saudi-linked vessels and oil facilities within the kingdom, the world's largest oil exporter.

The Houthis have also advanced into Yemen, capturing the vital port city of Mokha and crucial Red Sea islands, allowing them to better monitor shipping traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb, which carries approximately 12% of global trade.

Burnham explained that the UK is taking action to safeguard its interests and the broader region, as Saudi Arabia has been facing attacks and potential further disruptions. The UK government has condemned the Houthi assaults and affirmed that they will collaborate with partners to maintain regional stability, protect civilians, and facilitate humanitarian access.

While UK officials had previously not commented on "operational matters," they noted that Britain and Saudi Arabia share a close defense partnership. The United States, which bombed the Houthis under both the Biden and Trump administrations, has not shown interest in getting involved militarily in this situation. UK officials revealed that the agreement will commence in the coming days, involving one RAF Voyager refueling Saudi planes on "defensive" missions.