Britain to deploy RAF Typhoons to defend Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks
The United Kingdom has announced it will deploy RAF Typhoon fighter jets to Saudi Arabia in a defensive capacity to counter escalating Houthi missile and drone attacks. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed the aircraft will not conduct offensive operations against the Houthis, an Iran-backed group. The deployment follows weeks of intensified violence, including a missile strike on Riyadh airport on 10 October that killed 13 people and injured 308 others.
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The British government announced the deployment of RAF Typhoon jets to Saudi Arabia following a surge in Houthi attacks against the kingdom. Prime Minister Andy Burnham authorised the mission, which aims to protect Saudi cities and critical infrastructure. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting stated in a written statement that the aircraft would operate exclusively in a defensive role and would not conduct offensive strikes against the Houthis, the Iran-backed armed group.
The decision was prompted by a rapid escalation of violence after a ceasefire in Yemen collapsed in September. The Houthis launched a new offensive against Yemen's internationally recognised, Saudi-backed government and established control of the Bab al-Mandab strait. Government forces, supported by Saudi air power, responded with a counteroffensive. In retaliation, the Houthis attacked deep into Saudi territory, targeting King Khalid airport, energy facilities and ports.
Saudi authorities reported that 19 people were killed in Houthi attacks on the kingdom's airports. A single missile strike on Riyadh's international airport on 10 October proved particularly devastating, killing 13 people and injuring 308 others—the deadliest attack on Saudi Arabia in over a decade. The Houthis have characterised their strikes as retaliation for Saudi and coalition attacks on their territory in western Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, where they reported that more than 70 security personnel were killed earlier this month.
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