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UK to provide Saudi Arabia with defence support after Houthi attacks
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that Saudi Arabia would receive air-to-air refuelling support following Houthi attacks on the country. The support, expected to last several weeks initially, will help Saudi fighter jets intercept missile and drone attacks.
Following attacks targeting Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh and energy facilities on the Red Sea coast, the UK will provide the country with defensive air-to-air refuelling support.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the decision followed drone and ballistic missile attacks claimed by the Houthis, as well as Saudi Arabia’s request for military support. Burnham said he approved the request following recommendations from Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband.
Initial phase to last several weeks
British government officials said the assistance would be time-limited and was expected to continue for several weeks initially.
Officials said the air-to-air refuelling support would help Saudi fighter jets intercept and destroy missiles and drones launched by the Houthis.
Houthis claim responsibility for attacks
The Houthis are fighting Yemen’s internationally recognised government in the country’s civil war. Saudi Arabia supports the Yemeni government.
In recent days, the Houthis claimed responsibility for drone and ballistic missile attacks targeting Riyadh and energy facilities on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast.
Burnham points to UK and regional interests
Burnham linked the decision to provide defence support to the cost-of-living pressures and the protection of the interests of the UK and the wider region.
Burnham said, "I return to my emphasis on taking action to address the cost-of-living pressures and to safeguard the interests of the UK and the wider region. Saudi Arabia is facing attacks, assessing the possibility of further disruption, and we need to keep these routes open. That is why we are supporting the request."
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