UK to give ‘defensive’ support to Saudi Arabia against Houthis: Why Britain is stepping in as US holds back

Britain has agreed to provide limited defensive military support to Saudi Arabia amid escalating missile and drone attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, according to the BBC. The Royal Air Force will offer air-to-air refueling assistance from a single RAF Voyager aircraft, with the mission set to last several weeks. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated the move aims to protect British interests and maintain vital regional energy routes.

The UK received a formal request from Saudi Arabia, which was approved after consulting with defense and foreign secretaries. The Houthi group has intensified attacks against Saudi Arabia, including a recent Riyadh attack intercepted on Saturday. Their control of the port city of Mocha and key Red Sea islands increases their ability to monitor shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

This strategic chokepoint handles about 12% of global trade. While the United States has previously conducted military strikes against the Houthis, it has avoided direct military intervention in response to Saudi Arabia's requests, citing concerns about escalation.