WorldGulf
Britain sends RAF Typhoons to help defend Saudi skies from Houthi attacks
The jets will fly defensive missions against drones and missiles and will not strike the Houthis, the Ministry of Defence says.
Key points
- The UK is deploying RAF Typhoon fighter jets to protect Saudi airspace.
- Defence Secretary Wes Streeting called the Houthi attacks 'absolutely despicable'.
- Egypt's parliament has put off a vote on military support for Riyadh until 26 October.
Britain is sending Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets to help defend Saudi Arabia against missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthis, the Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday.
The jets will fly “defensive counter air missions” over the kingdom, the ministry said, stressing that they would operate in a defensive role and would not attack the Houthis. Britain is also extending its air-to-air refuelling support for Saudi air operations. It did not say how many aircraft were going or where they would be based.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting called the Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia “absolutely despicable” and said the Typhoons “will fly defensive air missions” to help protect Saudi airspace from drones and missiles.
The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, have fired missiles and drones at Saudi oil facilities and Riyadh’s main airport in recent weeks. A Saudi-led coalition has hit back with air strikes on Houthi positions, as fighting between the group and Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which Riyadh backs, has intensified.
Rising energy prices are partly behind London’s decision, since events in the Gulf feed directly into household bills in Britain.
Saudi Arabia’s other partners are moving more slowly. Egypt’s parliament delayed for a second day a vote on President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s request to authorise military support for the kingdom if it asks. The next session is set for 26 October.