Why is the UK refuelling Saudi jets against the Houthis, and how involved is it?

The Yemeni Houthi group has accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out deadly strikes, leading to civilian and prison inmate casualties, as Saudi forces attempt to counter the Houthi advance. The conflict has resulted in hundreds of deaths and displaced thousands, with the UN predicting the number of displaced individuals could rise from over 130,000 to more than 230,000 in the coming months.

This escalation has solidified Iran's influence over two crucial Middle Eastern waterways, the Bab al-Mandab and Hormuz straits, which serve as vital shipping routes for global energy trade. Saudi Arabia, supporting Yemen's internationally recognized government, has retaliated with airstrikes against Houthi targets, including an unprecedented attack on the Saudi capital, Riyadh, and the holy city of Mecca.

The Houthi leadership reported the death of nine detainees in a prison strike and the killing of six civilians, including two children, in Mocha port city. Thousands have been forced to flee their homes, citing the struggles of providing shelter and coping with the harsh conditions.