British fighter jets will help defend Saudi Arabia against “absolutely despicable” attacks from Houthi rebels, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has said.
RAF Typhoons will fly defensive missions to help protect Saudi cities and critical infrastructure from strikes from the Iran-backed militant group, as the UK extends its military support to the kingdom.
The UK will also send military advisers and an Atlas A400M military transport aircraft to help move equipment.
Mr Streeting said: “The continuing attacks from the Houthis on our ally Saudi Arabia are absolutely despicable. The targeting of the airport in Riyadh in particular shows the lengths the Houthis are going to escalate the situation in the region.
“That’s why today I have approved further UK military support. RAF Typhoons will fly defensive air missions to help protect Saudi airspace from drones and missiles. This builds on the UK equipment and personnel we already have in the country to defend against Houthi air attacks.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham last month announced that British planes would provide “defensive” air-to-air refuelling for Saudi jets.
The Iran-backed Houthis have secured a stranglehold over the Bab al-Mandab strait, a maritime chokepoint on the Red Sea vital for traffic heading to Europe through the Suez Canal.
The Saudis have been targeting the Houthis, while the Yemeni group has been firing missiles at the oil-rich kingdom.
Read MoreUK fighter jets to help defend Saudi Arabia against attacks from Iran-backed Houthis
