Britain to provide limited support to Saudi Arabia — CBC World
The United Kingdom has agreed to provide Saudi Arabia with limited military support to defend against attacks by Yemen’s Houthis, described in the report as being backed by Iran. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said that the Royal Air Force would carry out in-flight refuelling of Saudi aircraft.
As CBC World reports, Burnham announced the agreement on September 21 while travelling to the UN General Assembly in New York. According to him, the agreement is intended to last several weeks, but will be reviewed.
Refuelling for defensive missions
British officials said that the support is expected to begin in the coming days. It will involve one RAF Voyager tanker aircraft, which will provide fuel to Saudi aircraft involved in “defensive” missions.
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Burnham explained the decision by the need to protect the interests of the United Kingdom and the region, as well as to keep oil supply routes open. London condemned the Houthi attacks and said it intended to work with partners for regional stability, the protection of civilians, and humanitarian access.
Attacks on Saudi Arabia
The conflict between the Houthis and Yemen’s Saudi-backed government has escalated again. The Houthis have carried out missile and drone strikes against Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh: one of the attacks was intercepted on Saturday, according to the Saudi side.
The group also declared a blockade of Saudi shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea, and attacked Saudi Arabia-linked vessels and oil facilities in the kingdom. Earlier, Saudi Arabia appealed to its allies, including the United Kingdom, France, Pakistan, and Egypt, requesting air defence support.
