UK deploys RAF jets to defend Saudi Arabia from Houthis

Summarised from 9 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 12:38 · Archive

The UK will deploy RAF Typhoon fighter jets to fly defensive missions protecting Saudi Arabian cities and infrastructure from escalating Houthi attacks.

The UK will deploy RAF Typhoon fighter jets to Saudi Arabia to defend against escalating attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The aircraft will fly defensive counter-air missions to protect Saudi cities and critical national infrastructure from aerial attacks, though they will operate in a defensive role only and will not conduct offensive strikes against the Houthis, according to the Ministry of Defence.

The deployment is the most significant military mission approved by Prime Minister Andy Burnham and extends existing UK support to Saudi Arabia. In addition to the fighter jets, the UK will send military advisers and an Atlas A400M military transport aircraft. This follows an earlier commitment in September to provide an RAF Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft to assist Saudi defensive operations. The refuelling support has now been extended by 90 days.

The move comes in response to mounting Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. Earlier this month, a Houthi ballistic missile struck King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, killing at least 13 people and wounding over 300. The Houthis have also launched attacks on Saudi oil and gas facilities and military bases. Saudi forces have intercepted multiple attacks, including a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh on the day the deployment was announced.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said in a written statement: 'The continuing attacks from the Houthis on our ally Saudi Arabia are absolutely despicable. The targeting of the airport in Riyadh in particular shows the lengths the Houthis are going to escalate the situation in the region.' He added that the deployment was approved to provide further UK military support.

Streeting emphasised that protecting regional stability, vital trade routes and energy supplies was in the UK's national economic and security interest. An MoD source stated that the Houthis' 'attempts to destabilise the region and undermine the security and stability of the Middle East are unacceptable', adding that their 'reckless behaviour deepens Yemen's already devastating humanitarian crisis'.

The Houthis are engaged in a civil war with Yemen's internationally recognised government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia. According to reports, the Iranian-backed group has been seeking to damage Saudi Arabia's oil exportation industry. Since November 2023, the Houthis have also launched attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, reducing shipping in the area by 55 per cent and costing billions of pounds.

How it is being reported

• UK to deploy RAF fighter jets to defend Saudi Arabia from Houthi attacksThe Ministry of Defence says the jets will not be used to attack the Iran-backed group.Al Jazeera · 20 Oct, 12:37
• UK fighter jets to help defend Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacksDefence Secretary Wes Streeting condemned the ‘absolutely despicable’ attacks on the kingdom by the Iran-backed militant group.Evening Standard · 20 Oct, 12:25
• UK to deploy jets to defend Saudi Arabia from Houthi attacksThe UK announces it will provide additional defensive military support to Saudi Arabia as Houthi attacks escalate in the region.BBC News · 20 Oct, 12:23
• UK to deploy fighter jets to protect Saudi Arabia from Houthi attacksRAF Typhoon fighters will fly defensive missions over cities and infrastructure, in extension of UK support for Riyadh RAF Typhoon fighters are to protect Saudi Arabia from attack by Yemen’s Houthis, flying defensive missions over the country’s cities and critical infrastructure, as western allies step up their intervention in the escalating conflict. The operation – the most significant military mission signed off by Andy Burnham as prime minister – will involve RAF pilots attempting to shoot down Houthi missiles and drones, after attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities. Continue…Guardian World · 20 Oct, 12:08
• UK fighter jets to help defend Saudi Arabia against attacks from Iran-backed HouthisThe UK will fly defensive counter air missions using RAF Typhoon fighter jets to support the protection of Saudi cities and critical national infrastructureThe Independent · 20 Oct, 12:05
• British fighter jets to be deployed to Saudi Arabia to help in fight against HouthisRAF fighter jets will be deployed to Saudi Arabia to protect cities and critical infrastructure from attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the Typhoons will be joined by an Atlas A400M transport aircraft and military advisers as part of its support for Saudi Arabia. The move follows an agreement in September to send an RAF Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft to assist Saudi defensive operations in support of Yemen’s internationally recognised government. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said at the time that Britain “unequivocally condemn[s] the…GB News · 20 Oct, 12:03
• Britain to deploy fighter jets to defend Saudi Arabia from Houthi attacksBritish fighter jets will help defend Saudi Arabia against aerial attacks from Houthi rebels, according to Ministry of Defence sourcesThe Mirror · 20 Oct, 11:59
• RAF fighter jets set to be used to defend Saudi Arabia from Houthi aerial attacksThe Royal Air Force is to mount a defensive shield operation over Saudi Arabia to protect the Kingdom from missile attacks by Houthi rebels.Daily Mail · 20 Oct, 11:56
• UK to deploy jets to defend Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacksMove to defend ally comes as kingdom has been pummelled by strikes from the militant groupFinancial Times · 20 Oct, 11:45

In this story: UK · Saudi Arabia · Houthis · Wes Streeting · RAF · Yemen · Riyadh · Andy Burnham

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