Security

UK to Deploy Fighter Jets to Protect Saudi Arabia from Houthi Attacks

AI SUMMARY

The UK is deploying RAF Typhoon fighter jets to help defend Saudi Arabia against intensifying missile and drone attacks by Houthi militants.

The United Kingdom is deploying RAF Typhoon fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham authorized the deployment to protect Saudi cities and infrastructure from Houthi missile and drone attacks.
Defense Secretary Wes Sterling stated that the jets will play a strictly defensive role and will not conduct offensive operations.
The decision follows recent Houthi strikes on Riyadh and Saudi power stations.
Houthi militants seized Yemen's capital, Sanaa, in 2014 and are currently fighting the Saudi-backed Yemeni government.
Saudi Arabia has struggled to defend its airspace since September after exhausting much of its defensive capacity against Iranian attacks last year.
Houthi attacks have targeted Saudi infrastructure, including King Khalid Airport, power stations, and key ports.
Saudi officials reported last week that 19 people were killed in Houthi attacks on airports.
The deployment will help defend Saudi airspace and free up the country's own aircraft to carry out retaliatory strikes against the Houthis.