RAF to Refuel Saudi Jets Within Days as G7 Condemns Houthi Attacks
Updated
Updated · DW (English) · Sep 22
RAF to Refuel Saudi Jets Within Days as G7 Condemns Houthi Attacks
3 articles · Updated · DW (English) · Sep 22
Summary
Britain said the RAF will begin “defensive” air-to-air refuelling for Saudi aircraft within days after Riyadh requested help against Houthi drone and missile attacks.
The time-capped mission is expected to last weeks and use a Voyager tanker to keep Saudi jets on defensive patrols, not support strikes on the Iran-backed Houthis.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the move aims to protect British and regional interests by keeping oil and shipping routes open as attacks threaten Saudi facilities and Red Sea traffic.
G7 foreign ministers, meeting alongside the UN General Assembly, condemned continued Houthi strikes in Yemen and Saudi Arabia and urged Iran to stop backing and arming the rebels.
The deployment follows a sharp deterioration since a 2022 truce collapsed in July; on Saturday the Houthis struck Riyadh for the first time in years and have declared a blockade on Saudi shipping.