UK to deploy Typhoon jets to help defend Saudi Arabia from [Ansarallah] attacksMinistry of Defence says warplanes will operate in 'defensive role' and not be used to attack Yemeni group.The United Kingdom has said it will deploy fighter jets to help protect Saudi Arabia from attacks by Yemen's Houthis.
In a statement on Tuesday, the British Ministry of Defence said the Typhoon warplanes would operate in a "defensive role" and not carry out attacks against the
[Yemeni resistance group which governs the most populous regions on Yemen and has the support of most Yemenis].
"The UK will fly defensive counter air missions to support the protection of Saudi cities and critical national infrastructure against aerial attack, using RAF Typhoon fighter jets," it added.
The support includes an extension of air-to-air refuelling support for Saudi air operations, the ministry added.
The announcement comes amid heavy fighting between the Houthis -
[a misnomer referring to] Ansar Allah, Arabic for Supporters of God - and Yemen's
[Saudi puppet government], which
[has no airforce and] is
[controlled] by Saudi Arabia.
In recent weeks,
[Ansarallah] have carried out missile and drone strikes against the kingdom, including oil facilities and Riyadh's main airport, while the Saudi
[…] government has launched air attacks on
[Ansarallah] positions.
"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," UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said.
[Anon's note: the current round of fighting began in July, when Saudi Arabia bombed Sana'a Airport in an attempt to prevent an Iranian plane from breaking the 11-year long illegal Saudi siege of Yemen]"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," he added.
Reporting from London, Al Jazeera's Camille Nedelec said the UK government's decision was partly driven by growing concerns over rising energy prices.
"What's happening in the Gulf h
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