The British government has announced plans to deploy fighter jets to help defend Saudi Arabia against increasing attacks by Houthi rebels.
In a statement, the UK Ministry of Defence said the deployment formed part of “additional defensive military support” for Saudi Arabia.
The ministry said Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets would conduct defensive counter-air missions to protect Saudi cities and critical national infrastructure from aerial attacks.
The statement clarified that the aircraft would operate in a strictly defensive role and would not conduct offensive action against the Houthis. Britain will also deploy a military transport aircraft to help move defensive equipment within Saudi Arabia, alongside British military advisers to assist Saudi officers.
British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting condemned the continuing Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, describing it as an ally. He said the targeting of Riyadh airport, in particular, demonstrated how far the Houthis were going to escalate tensions in the region.
