British fighter jets will be deployed to help defend Saudi Arabian cities and critical infrastructure from escalating Houthi attacks, the UK government announced on Tuesday.
Britain’s Ministry of Defence said RAF Typhoon jets will conduct “defensive counter air missions” in the Middle East but will not engage in offensive strikes against the Iran-backed Houthis, who are fighting the Saudi-supported Yemeni government. Defense Secretary Wes Streeting condemned the Houthi attacks, noting a recent strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh that killed over a dozen people and injured around 300.
The deployment, approved by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, includes a transport aircraft and British military advisers supporting Saudi forces. Britain had previously deployed air defense systems and a refueling plane to counter Houthi threats. This follows a broader increase in UK military presence in the region under both Mr. Burnham and his predecessor Keir Starmer.
Officials emphasized that British forces remain authorized to shoot down Iranian missiles and drones to protect navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and safeguard British interests. The statement reiterated that UK jets “will operate in a defensive role and will not conduct offensive strikes against the Houthis.”
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing