The UK will send fighter jets and a transport aircraft to Saudi Arabia to provide defensive support against attacks by the Houthis in Yemen.
In a written statement, the UK Ministry of Defence stated that Eurofighter Typhoon jets from the Royal Air Force (RAF) will be deployed to the region to protect critical infrastructure and cities in Saudi Arabia against air attacks.
The statement emphasized that the scope of the mission would be limited to defense, noting, "The aircraft will only take on a defensive role and will not participate in any attacks against the Houthis." The UK will also send an A400M transport aircraft to carry military equipment and British military advisors who will provide support to Saudi military officials.
The Ministry argued that the Houthis' actions in the region undermine Middle East security. The statement noted that the humanitarian situation in Yemen is already at a devastating level, adding that such attacks further deepen the crisis.
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the decision aims to protect Saudi Arabian airspace against unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles. Streeting stated that the targeting of the airport in Riyadh shows that the Houthis want to increase tension in the region.
In a written statement sent to Parliament, Streeting reiterated that the aircraft would go to the region to defend Saudi Arabian cities, its people, and infrastructure. It was also reported that the mission duration of a refueling aircraft previously sent to Saudi Arabia has been extended by 90 days.
FRANCE HAD TAKEN A SIMILAR STEP
Military support decisions coming from European countries following attacks on energy infrastructure in the region are also noteworthy. French President Emmanuel Macron announced on September 24 that they would send military assets to protect energy facilities following the Houthi attack on the Saudi Arabian port city of Yanbu.
Macron stated that the support in question would include personnel, radar, and defense systems, and said that France would not be involved in any conflict. The UK's latest decision comes at a time when security risks around the Red Sea and the Gulf are increasing.
News Source: 12punto
