Key facts
- The UK will provide Saudi Arabia with defensive air-to-air refuelling support.
- The support aims to counter Houthi fighters and defend energy infrastructure.
- The assistance will begin in the coming days.
- Defence Minister Luke Pollard stated the support complies with international humanitarian law.
- The Houthis have captured territory controlling the Bab al-Mandab strait.
The UK is set to provide Saudi Arabia with defensive air-to-air refuelling support to counter Houthi attacks and defend energy infrastructure. Defence Minister Luke Pollard stated that the support, which will involve the RAF Voyager operating from a UK base in Cyprus, will begin in the coming days and last for several weeks. This move follows a Saudi request for military assistance after the Houthis increased drone and missile attacks on the kingdom, capturing territory that gives them control over the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait.
Pollard emphasized that the support is for national security reasons and will comply with international humanitarian law. The Houthis have targeted Saudi cities, oil infrastructure, and Red Sea oil shipments. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) announced that around 230,000 displaced persons in Yemen and 10,000 refugees in Djibouti are expected to require humanitarian assistance in the coming months due to the resumption of fighting. Multiple sources told CNN that despite US intelligence and targeting support, Saudi Arabia is still unable to push back against Houthi forces, with Washington believing Riyadh is not capable of repelling the Houthis. UK support for Saudi Arabia has been controversial due to the ongoing war in Yemen, which has killed over 150,000 people since 2015.