From POLITICO · · 1m
UK sends fighter jets to Saudi Arabia against Houthis
Britain deploys Royal Air Force Typhoons to defend Saudi airspace from Iranian-backed militia attacks on airports and energy infrastructure.
In brief
Britain deploys Royal Air Force Typhoons to defend Saudi airspace from Iranian-backed militia attacks on airports and energy infrastructure. The UK is deploying Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters to Saudi Arabia to defend against Houthi attacks on airports and critical infrastructure. Originally reported by POLITICO.
Houthis strike Saudi airports
The Iranian-backed Islamist militia group based in Yemen has launched ballistic missile strikes on Saudi Arabia for weeks, hitting three airports earlier this month and killing fourteen people.
UK deploys Typhoon fighters
The Ministry of Defence announced Tuesday that Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters will be deployed to Saudi Arabia in a defensive capacity, along with an Atlas A400M aircraft and military advisers.
UK defends regional involvement
Prime Minister Andy Burnham's spokesperson rejected claims the UK risks being drawn into the Saudi war, saying support is proportionate and focused on defending against relentless Houthi attacks.
“I don't accept that characterization. Our support for Saudi Arabia is considered proportionate and focused on helping them defend themselves against relentless Houthi attacks.”
In short
The UK is deploying Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters to Saudi Arabia to defend against Houthi attacks on airports and critical infrastructure.
