U.K. Deploys Fighter Jets to Defend Saudi Cities Against Houthi Attacks
The United Kingdom is deploying Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets to defend Saudi Arabia against attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels, following recent strikes on Riyadh and Aramco facilities. The move comes as Yemen's civil war intensifies and regional tensions rise due to the broader U.S.-Iran conflict. UK Defense Secretary Wes Streeting condemned the Houthis' actions, emphasizing their impact on civilian populations in Yemen and potential economic consequences for Britain through disrupted energy supplies. The Typhoons will operate solely in a defensive role, while an Airbus A400M Atlas jet will support logistics within Saudi Arabia. The U.K.'s military presence is part of its ongoing mission to assist Saudi defense efforts against Houthi air attacks. The Ministry of Defence reiterated the right of both Yemen and Saudi Arabia to self-defense but condemned targeting civilian infrastructure like King Khalid International Airport.
Topics: defense operations Houthi rebels Saudi Arabia U.K. Yemen civil war