UK to Deploy RAF Typhoon Jets to Defend Saudi Arabia From Houthi Attacks
publishers 47articles 56first reported 14 Oct, 20:45 UTCdeveloping since 15 Oct · 14 editions
Britain will deploy Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets to Saudi Arabia to help defend cities and critical infrastructure from escalating missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement, the UK government announced Tuesday.
The aircraft will operate only in a defensive role and will not conduct strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said. The deployment, authorised by Prime Minister Andy Burnham following a Saudi request, will also include an Atlas A400M transport aircraft and military advisers. Britain will extend an offer of air-to-air refuelling for Saudi aircraft for another 90 days, according to Deutsche Welle.
The decision follows repeated Houthi attacks on Riyadh’s international airport, energy facilities and ports. The BBC reported that a missile strike on the capital’s airport on October 10 killed 13 people and injured 308, while Saudi authorities said 19 people had been killed in attacks on the kingdom’s airports over the preceding period.
Fighting intensified after a years-long truce in Yemen broke down in September. The Houthis launched a new offensive against Yemen’s internationally recognised, Saudi-backed government, while Saudi-supported forces mounted a counteroffensive. Saudi air and artillery strikes have also hit Houthi-controlled territory, including the capital, Sanaa.
Saudi Arabia and the United States accuse Iran of supporting the Houthis. Tehran denies the allegation.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 3 with the publisher's own text; 8 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 162 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
- Publishers
- 47
- Source articles
- 56
- Given to the writer
- 8, 3 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
- 8
- This version written
- 162 h after the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- kept as written
- Publication gate
- passed
- Human review
- none
WHAT THE EDITOR DID
The second model checked the writer's draft against the same sources and published it as written.
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