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British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the United Kingdom would provide Saudi Arabia with defensive air-to-air refuelling support following a request for military assistance after attacks by Yemen’s Houthi group, according to the BBC.
Burnham approved the request after receiving advice from Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband. Government officials said the support would be time-limited and was expected initially to continue for several weeks.
Support aimed at intercepting missiles and drones
British officials said the assistance would help Saudi fighter jets intercept and destroy incoming Houthi missiles and drones. In recent days, the Houthis have claimed responsibility for drone and ballistic missile attacks targeting Riyadh and energy facilities along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast.
The Houthis are fighting Yemen’s internationally recognised government in a civil war, while Saudi Arabia supports the government.
UK cites regional and economic interests
Speaking to reporters travelling with him to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Burnham linked the decision to concerns over the cost of living and the need to protect Britain’s broader interests.
“Saudi Arabia has been experiencing attacks, is looking at potential further disruption, and we need to keep those pathways open,” Burnham said, explaining the decision to approve the request.
