United Kingdom Announces Typhoon Deployment to Defend Saudi Arabia
The United Kingdom announced extra defensive support for Saudi Arabia. The announcement came on 20 October.
The plan includes Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets. The jets would defend Saudi Arabia from attacks by Yemen's Houthis.
The Guardian reports the jets will fly defensive missions. They will fly over Saudi cities and key sites.
The jets will not strike Houthi targets. Reports say Prime Minister Andy Burnham approved the operation.
The support includes a transport plane and military advisers. The United Kingdom is extending refueling support by 90 days.
The British Broadcasting Corporation reported the announcement amid rising Houthi attacks. The United Kingdom said the violence is also harming civilians in Yemen.
The planned deployment adds to existing British air defense equipment. This builds on earlier refueling support.
A missile killed 13 people at Riyadh airport in Saudi Arabia. This happened earlier this month.
Key Terms 3
- Typhoon A British fighter jet used by the Royal Air Force.
- Houthis An armed group in Yemen that has attacked Saudi Arabia.
- Andy Burnham The United Kingdom's prime minister.