RAF Typhoon jets are to shoot down Iran-backed Houthi drones and missiles over Saudi Arabia after deadly airport strikes
The mission is the most significant military operation Andy Burnham has signed off as prime minister. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting insists the jets will stay defensive, with no strikes on Houthi ground targets and no flights into Yemeni airspace. Thirteen people died when a Houthi missile hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Britain will also send military advisers and an Atlas A400M transport plane.
Streeting called the Iran-backed militants' attacks 'absolutely despicable' and an 'intolerable escalation'.
He said the conflict is adding to cost pressures on British households.
RAF refuelling of Saudi jets, which began last month, has been extended for 90 days.
More
The TelegraphUK sends Typhoon jets to protect Saudi Arabia against the HouthisAPUK expands military support for Saudi Arabia against Houthis with ‘defensive’ air patrolsHuffPostU.K. Expands Military Support For Saudi Arabia To Protect Against HouthisUPIBritain to send planes to help defend Saudi Arabia from HouthisIrish IndependentUK fighter jets to help defend Saudi cities as Houthis ramp up attacksEuronews.comUK Typhoon fighter jets to fly 'defensive' missions to help protect Saudi Arabia from Houthi attacks - Euronews.comDenver GazetteUK deploying fighter jets to defend Saudi Arabia from Houthi attacks - Denver GazetteThe GuardianUK to deploy fighter jets to protect Saudi Arabia from Houthi attacksAPUK to send jets to defend Saudi Arabia from Houthi attacks, and other Mideast newsReutersBritain says it will carry out defensive air missions over Saudi Arabia
