Britain linked its expanded defense support for Saudi Arabia to economic risks at home on Oct. 20, warning that escalating Gulf violence could strain energy supplies and raise costs for consumers and businesses.
The Ministry of Defence said Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoons will fly missions to help protect Saudi cities and vital infrastructure from aerial attacks. Offensive strikes against the Houthis are outside the jets’ mission.
An RAF A400M will move defense supplies within Saudi Arabia, while British military advisers will assist Saudi staff officers. The measures add to equipment Britain has deployed to defend against missiles and drones. They also accompany an extension of refueling support for Saudi air operations, including missions against Houthi military targets in Yemen that the ministry says threaten people in both countries.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting called continuing Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia “absolutely despicable” and cited the targeting of an airport in Riyadh. The ministry identified the site as King Khalid International Airport and separately condemned attacks on civilian targets.
The ministry said the Houthis’ broader conduct was worsening Yemen’s humanitarian crisis. It asserted a right of self-defense for Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Yemen.
