UK deploys RAF Typhoons to Saudi Arabia for defensive patrols against Houthi attacks

London: Britain announced Tuesday that it is broadening its military support for Saudi Arabia against Houthi forces to encompass "defensive" air patrols conducted by Royal Air Force fighter jets, while emphasising that no military resolution exists for the ongoing conflict.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting stated that Royal Air Force Typhoon jets will "conduct defensive counter-air operations over Saudi Arabia, helping to protect Saudi cities, civilian populations and critical national infrastructure" against incoming missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles launched by the Iran-backed insurgents in Yemen.

He clarified that the British aircraft will not conduct offensive strikes against Houthi positions.

The United Kingdom will additionally deploy a military transport aircraft alongside an undisclosed complement of military advisers to Saudi Arabia, Streeting confirmed.

The declaration comes in the wake of Britain's decision last month to provide aerial refuelling assistance to Saudi aircraft engaged in operations against the Houthis. That refuelling commitment is being prolonged by an additional 90 days, Streeting noted.

Hostilities between the Houthis and Yemen's Saudi-supported administration have intensified, with Houthi forces directing missile and drone assaults toward Saudi Arabia, which the energy-rich kingdom has encountered difficulties in countering. The country's primary international aviation hub in Riyadh was hit on multiple occasions earlier this month.

Streeting characterised the strikes as "despicable" and asserted that targeting the international airport demonstrated "the lengths the Houthis are going to to escalate the situation in the region."

The Associated Press reported last month that Saudi authorities had formally requested air-defence assistance from international allies, including France, Britain, Pakistan, and Egypt, to bolster defences against missile and drone strikes conducted by Houthis and allied Iran-backed factions.

The United States, which previously executed bombing campaigns against Houthi positions under both the Biden and Trump administrations, has demurred from undertaking similar strikes during the current escalation.

In a formal written submission to Parliament, Streeting stressed that "the government remains clear that there is no long-term military solution to the conflict in Yemen.

"We continue to support a UN-led political process as the best route to a durable peace," he added.

Yemen descended into civil strife in 2014 when Houthi forces captured the capital, Sanaa, along with substantial swathes of northern Yemen, forcing the recognised government into exile.

A Saudi-led coalition intervened the following year seeking to restore the ousted administration. The resulting hostilities precipitated severe humanitarian distress and claimed over 150,000 lives.

A spokesman for Prime Minister Andy Burnham rejected assertions that Britain was becoming drawn into a wider war.

"Our support for Saudi Arabia is considered proportionate and focused on helping them defend themselves from relentless Houthi attacks," spokesperson Tom Wells stated.

AP