UK Backs Saudi Jets With Defensive Refuelling for Weeks as Houthi Threats Grip Red Sea
Updated
Updated · Yahoo! Voices · Sep 21
UK Backs Saudi Jets With Defensive Refuelling for Weeks as Houthi Threats Grip Red Sea
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo! Voices · Sep 21
Summary
Andy Burnham said Britain has approved “defensive” air-to-air refuelling for Saudi jets, expanding UK military support against Houthi attacks linked to the Yemen conflict.
The mission will use RAF Voyager tankers within days and is limited to Saudi aircraft defending against drone and missile attacks, not strikes on Houthi targets.
Burnham said he approved the request after talks with Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, citing risks to regional stability and rising cost pressures on British households.
The move adds to the UK Sky Sabre air-defence system already deployed in Saudi Arabia as the Iran-backed Houthis tighten control over the Bab al-Mandab chokepoint on the Red Sea.