Britain sends Typhoons as Saudi Arabia struggles with Houthi attacks
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 19:20 · Archive
Saudi Arabia is calling on foreign allies including Britain, Egypt and Israel to help counter Iranian-backed Houthi missiles and drones.
Saudi Arabia is seeking international military support to defend against escalating Houthi attacks from Yemen. Britain announced Tuesday it would send Typhoon fighter jets to protect Saudi cities and critical infrastructure. Egypt is already assisting the kingdom and Israel has offered to help, whilst Riyadh is asking Washington for more interceptors.
Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia have intensified significantly, with attacks more than doubling in a single week this month. An October 10 strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed at least 13 people and wounded more than 300. Other attacks have targeted Saudi energy infrastructure, including the headquarters of Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil company.
Saudi Arabia spent $83 billion on defence last year, more than any other country in the Middle East, yet the kingdom has struggled to stop the Houthi barrage. Analysts cite Saudi Arabia's vast geography and vulnerable eastern border as factors. A senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy told CBS News that no country achieves a 100 per cent interception rate, but the airport strike 'was a hell of a one to miss.' Trump is considering whether the US should launch direct military strikes on the Iran-backed group in Yemen.
How it is being reported
- Why can't Saudi Arabia stop the Houthis' deadly attacks?Experts tell CBS News geography, interceptor shortages and evolving Houthi tactics are helping the Iranian proxy menace Saudi Arabia, and global energy supplies.CBS News · 21 Oct, 18:46
- How Saudi Arabia's defense vulnerabilities could become Trump's problem amid Houthi onslaughtSaudi Arabia seeks foreign allies to counter Houthi missiles and drones as Trump weighs whether to launch direct U.S. military strikes on Yemen.Fox News · 21 Oct, 12:00
In this story: Saudi Arabia · Britain · Houthis · Yemen · Iran · Egypt · Israel · Donald Trump
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