Britain Backs Saudi Arabia With Typhoon Jets as Houthi Strikes Intensify

Saudi Arabia has come under repeated drone and missile fire from the Iran backed Houthis in recent weeks. An assault on Riyadh’s airport killed several people, grounded flights and damaged property, and Aramco sites were hit a few days later. In response, Britain will station RAF Typhoon jets in the kingdom to help shield its skies.

Defensive Role Only, London Says

Defense Secretary Wes Streeting called the attacks despicable and said the Riyadh airport strike showed how far the group will go. The Ministry of Defence made clear the jets will protect airspace and will not hit Houthi targets. They add to British equipment and personnel already deployed in Saudi Arabia.

Transport Aircraft and Advisers Also Sent

An Airbus A400M Atlas will move military supplies around the country, and British advisers will assist Saudi staff officers. Officials warned that Gulf instability could raise living costs and disrupt energy supplies at home.

Yemen’s War Flares Again

Fighting between the Houthis and Yemen’s recognized government has returned to full scale, driven by the wider US-Iran conflict. Local reports describe a ballistic missile attack on a military camp in the south that left dozens dead, though those figures have not been independently confirmed.