From the Guardian · · 1m 50s
UK sends fighter jets to defend Saudi Arabia
RAF Typhoons will fly defensive missions over Saudi cities and infrastructure as Houthi attacks escalate across the region.
In brief
RAF Typhoons will fly defensive missions over Saudi cities and infrastructure as Houthi attacks escalate across the region. The UK is deploying RAF Typhoon fighters to protect Saudi Arabia from Houthi missile and drone attacks in the most significant military mission approved by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Originally…
RAF Typhoons to defend Saudi Arabia
RAF Typhoon fighters will fly protective missions over Saudi Arabia's cities and critical infrastructure to counter Houthi missile and drone attacks on airports and oil facilities.
Deadliest attack kills thirteen
A Houthi missile struck King Khalid international airport in Riyadh, killing thirteen people in the deadliest incident since the conflict began in September.
Death toll rises in Yemen
A Houthi missile strike on a Yemeni government training camp on Monday killed seventy three people, demonstrating the rebel group's military effectiveness.
Ministry limits fighter role
The Ministry of Defence emphasised the aircraft would operate defensively only. These aircraft will operate in a defensive role and will not conduct offensive strikes against the Houthis.
“These aircraft will operate in a defensive role and will not conduct offensive strikes against the Houthis.”
Expert warns of mission creep
HA Hellyer, a Middle East expert with the Royal United Services Institute, questioned what defensive means and warned the UK could get drawn further into the conflict.
“What does defensive mean?”
Additional support for Riyadh
The UK will provide an Atlas A four hundred M transport aircraft and extend air-to-air refuelling support for Saudi fighter jets with an RAF Voyager by ninety days.
Long military partnership
The UK has supplied Saudi Arabia with seventy two Typhoons in a deal originally worth four point four billion pounds, with Riyadh considering buying another forty eight.
US cautious on direct support
The US has stepped up intelligence support and sent more than one hundred military advisers to help the Saudis with targeting, but has been cautious about providing more direct military support.
The big picture
The UK is deploying RAF Typhoon fighters to protect Saudi Arabia from Houthi missile and drone attacks in the most significant military mission approved by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
