UK to deploy fighter jets to help Saudis against Houthi attacks
The Ministry of Defence announced Tuesday that Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters will be deployed to the Gulf Kingdom — but stressed they will be only used in a defensive capacity.
The United Kingdom has announced plans to deploy fighter jets to Saudi Arabia in an effort to defend against ongoing attacks by the Houthis. The Iranian-backed Islamist militia, which operates from Yemen, has been conducting ballistic missile strikes on Saudi Arabia's critical energy and civilian infrastructure over the past few weeks.
On September 9th, three airports were successfully targeted by the militia, resulting in the death of 14 people and injuring hundreds more. In response, the UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed that Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters will be sent to the Gulf Kingdom, with the sole purpose of providing defensive support. UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting expressed strong condemnation of the Houthis' actions, calling them "absolutely despicable" and highlighting the escalating nature of their aggression.
The U.K. will also send an Atlas A400M aircraft and military advisers to assist in the deployment and transportation of equipment. This deployment builds upon the existing UK support in the region, which has been bolstered since Defence Secretary Andrew Burnham visited Saudi Arabia in July. The UK has offered additional aid to Saudi Arabia, including requests for air-to-air refueling of the country's fighter jets.
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