UK Agrees to Provide Aerial Refueling Support to Saudi Arabia Amid Houthi Attacks

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced Monday that Britain has agreed to provide limited military support to Saudi Arabia to counter attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Royal Air Force will offer air-to-air refueling for Saudi planes for a period of several weeks, a measure that will be kept under review.

The decision comes as the conflict between the Houthis and Yemen’s Saudi-backed government has intensified. The Houthis have launched missile and drone strikes targeting Saudi Arabia, including a recent interception near Riyadh. They have also declared a blockade on shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea, impacting vessels and oil facilities in the kingdom.

Burnham stated that the action is intended to "secure the interests of Britain and the wider region," citing the need to maintain open oil pathways. "Saudi Arabia has been experiencing attack, is looking at potential further disruption, and we need to keep those pathways (for oil) open," he told reporters.

Britain has previously condemned the Houthi attacks and pledged to work with partners to support regional stability, protect civilians, and facilitate humanitarian access. While U.K. officials had previously refrained from commenting on "operational matters," they affirmed a close defense partnership between the two nations.

The agreement is set to commence in the coming days, with one RAF Voyager aircraft designated to refuel Saudi planes engaged in "defensive" missions. Last week, reports indicated that Saudi Arabia had requested air-defense support from allies including France, Britain, Pakistan, and Egypt to defend against Houthi and Iran-backed group threats.

The United States has not expressed interest in military involvement in the current situation.