Explainer
What is Britain sending to Saudi Arabia, and what can the jets do?
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From London, Britain is deploying RAF Typhoon fighters to Saudi Arabia, to guard cities like Riyadh and critical infrastructure against aerial attack. The jets will fly defensive missions only, and will not strike the Houthis.
London and Riyadh
The Houthis, an Iran-backed militia, have been firing ballistic missiles at Saudi Arabia for weeks, and they have hit 3 airports this month.
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Defence Secretary Wes Streeting put it bluntly: The continuing attacks from the Houthis on our ally Saudi Arabia are absolutely despicable.
“The continuing attacks from the Houthis on our ally Saudi Arabia are absolutely despicable.”
Streeting said Britain agreed in September to refuel Saudi jets, and that mission will run for another 90 days. The Atlas transport and military advisers add to what is already in place.
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The story
Britain sends RAF Typhoon jets to Saudi Arabia to counter Houthi missile and drone attacksRead the article
Based on reports by
- The IndependentTrump's lethal indifference has dragged us to the brink of disaster in the Gulf
- Berliner ZeitungYemen conflict: Saudi Arabia intercepts five Houthi drones in the East and Medina region
- newsORF.atSaudi Arabia reports shooting down of several drones
- FocusGreat Britain sends fighter jets to Saudi Arabia to protect the kingdom against attacks by the Houthi militia from Yemen
- ANSA.itBritish fighter jets in flight, alongside Riyadh against the Houthis
- AP NEWSThe UK expands military support for Saudi Arabia against Houthis to include 'defensive' air patrols