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 will involve RAF pilots attempting to shoot down Houthi missiles and drones following a series of assaults targeting Saudi airports and oil facilities. The mission represents a major military deployment signed off by Andy Burnham as prime minister.
Alongside the fighter jets, the UK will provide an Atlas A400M transport aircraft capable of carrying heavy equipment, as well as military advisers. This adds to an existing British commitment that supplies air-to-air refuelling for Saudi fighter jets using an RAF Voyager.
The offensive by the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen, which began in September, has gradually escalated into a deadly regional conflict. The rebel group has repeatedly targeted Saudi Arabia because of its role backing Yemen’s officially recognized government.
Earlier this month, 13 people were killed when a missile struck King Khalid international airport in Riyadh. That incident marked the deadliest event in a wider war that has resulted in 19 deaths within Saudi territory.
Further details concerning the scope and execution of the military operation are expected to be communicated to the UK parliament through a formal written statement shortly.