Thousands of refugees have fled Yemen in recent days following advances by Iran-backed Houthis along the country's Red Sea coastline. The Houthis have seized territory near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical chokepoint for international shipping.
Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since 2014, when the Houthis took control of the capital, Sanaa. The conflict intensified in 2015 with the intervention of a Saudi-led coalition aiming to restore the internationally recognized government.
In response to a request from Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom has announced it will deploy a military aircraft to provide aerial refueling for Saudi Arabian fighter jets engaged in defensive operations. The Bab al-Mandab Strait's strategic location makes it vital for oil transportation and the global economy.