UK to provide Saudi Arabia with 'defensive' military support, says Burnham
The mission is limited to defensive refuelling and could begin within days, with officials saying it may last for weeks and stay under review.
- On Monday, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced Britain will provide defensive air-to-air refueling support to Saudi Arabia to counter Iran-backed Houthi attacks.
- Intensified Houthi strikes on Saudi energy infrastructure and shipping lanes in the Red Sea prompted the request, as rebels seek to disrupt global pathways through which 12% of world trade passes.
- Britain will deploy one Royal Air Force Voyager plane for the time-limited mission, while Burnham confirmed he would lobby other nations to bolster Riyadh's defensive capabilities.
- Burnham stated the action aims to secure regional stability and protect Britain's interests amid "cost of living pressures," emphasizing "we need to keep those pathways open."
- As he travels to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the decision represents Burnham's first major military authorization since taking office.
213 Articles
213 Articles
Due to the crisis in the Middle East, energy costs are also rising in the UK. Now, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged Saudi Arabia to fight the Houthis aid, but it is "defensive".
Burnham announces the dispatch of a cistern-plane so that Saudi bombers can refuel in flight when carrying out combat missions against Iran's allied militia Read
Cyprus ‘to be launchpad’ for UK assistance for Saudi Arabia’s war with Houthis
Cyprus will be used as the launchpad by the British Royal Air Force for assistance it plans to provide to Saudi Arabia in its war with Yemen’s Houthi movement, according to reports on Tuesday. Saudi Arabia requested British assistance after the Houthis expanded their control over Yemen’s west coast and launched fresh bombing raids on […]
The British Prime Minister has opted for his government's first military intervention. Washington has been holding back from the recent escalation in Yemen.
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