RAF Typhoons to defend Saudi cities and infrastructure from Houthi attacks

The latest detail is that the RAF’s planned deployment is expected to include an A400 transport aircraft carrying supplies, alongside Typhoons flying defensive missions over Saudi Arabia. The aircraft are intended to help protect cities, civilians and critical infrastructure from Houthi attacks; Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said they will not carry out strikes against the Houthis.

The mission follows weeks of missile attacks attributed to the Iran-backed group in Yemen, including strikes on Riyadh’s airport. The article reports that a recent airport attack killed 13 people and injured hundreds, while a later strike killed one person and injured 11. Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping since November 2023 have cut traffic by 55 per cent, according to the article.