RAF Typhoons to defend Saudi cities and infrastructure from Houthi attacks
Developing story first seen 1 hour ago
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.
- RAF Typhoons are set to defend Saudi Arabia from Houthi attacks.
- The jets will operate defensively, without striking Houthi targets.
- An A400 transport aircraft is also expected to deliver supplies.
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The Houthis are an armed movement based in Yemen that has fought Yemen’s internationally recognised government and controls much of the country’s north, including the capital, Sana’a. The group has also launched missiles and drones at targets beyond Yemen and attacked commercial ships in the Red Sea, a route used by vessels travelling between Europe and Asia.
Saudi Arabia borders Yemen and has been involved in Yemen’s conflict, leading a military coalition that intervened in 2015. Missile attacks on Saudi territory have raised concerns about the safety of civilians and important sites such as airports and energy facilities. The Red Sea attacks have also disrupted a major route for global trade.
Full account
The United Kingdom says RAF Typhoon jets will fly defensive counter-air missions over Saudi Arabia to help protect its cities, civilian population and critical infrastructure from Houthi missiles and drones. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the aircraft would defend Saudi airspace and would not carry out strikes on Houthi targets. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the role on Tuesday.
The announcement follows weeks of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including strikes on airports. The Independent reported that an attack on Riyadh airport killed at least 13 people and injured more than 300. The reports also describe threats to energy infrastructure and oil exports. Streeting condemned the attacks, while the Government said it was in Britain’s economic and security interests to support the Kingdom’s defence.
The support is expected to include an Atlas A400M transport aircraft to move equipment. The Independent also reports that military advisers will be sent; the other account says British military personnel are already in Saudi Arabia as advisers. The deployment builds on earlier UK support: both reports refer to defensive air-to-air refuelling announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, while the first also recalls RAF strikes on Houthi military sites in Yemen last year. Those earlier strikes were separate from the defensive mission now announced.
The attacks have wider regional and maritime implications. The Independent highlights the Houthis’ control of the Bab al-Mandab strait, a key route for shipping travelling towards the Suez Canal. The other report says Houthi attacks on Red Sea commercial shipping since November 2023 reduced traffic in the area by 55 per cent and cost billions of pounds. Both accounts describe the Houthis as backed by Iran and present the UK’s support as defensive, though the reports differ in the scope and detail they give to the deployment and the conflict’s wider context.
Where outlets differ
The first report says the RAF deployment was confirmed by sources and anticipates a written ministerial statement; The Independent says the Ministry of Defence confirmed the defensive role on Tuesday and explicitly mentions military advisers alongside the A400M.
The Independent gives figures for the Riyadh airport attack of at least 13 deaths and more than 300 injuries. The first report mentions 13 deaths but does not give an injury figure, and refers to a recent attack without specifying Riyadh airport in that passage.
The first report emphasises oil facilities, energy infrastructure and the alleged impact on Red Sea shipping, including a 55 per cent reduction and billions in costs. The Independent focuses more on the Bab al-Mandab chokepoint, the airport attack and the conflict’s regional context.
The first report recalls last year’s RAF strikes on Houthi sites in Yemen and says a transport aircraft is expected. The Independent stresses that the new missions will not be offensive and says the A400M and military advisers will help move equipment.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “RAF will launch defensive actions to protect Saudi Arabia from Houthi attacks”.