UK to give Saudi jets defensive refuelling support after Houthi attacks
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham says the UK will provide Saudi Arabia with defensive air-to-air refuelling after a Saudi request prompted by Houthi attacks in Yemen. BBC News reports the commitment, but the supplied material gives no operational timetable, aircraft details, duration or information about any wider military involvement.
The United Kingdom will provide Saudi Arabia with what Prime Minister Andy Burnham described as defensive air-to-air refuelling, BBC News reports. Burnham said the decision followed a request from Saudi Arabia after it faced attacks from the Houthis in Yemen. The stated support concerns refuelling aircraft in the air and is described by the prime minister as defensive.
The supplied material does not specify when the assistance will begin or how long it will last. It also gives no details about the aircraft involved, the number of missions planned or the British personnel who would support them. No further information is provided about the Houthi attacks, the Saudi request or any conditions attached to the UK’s agreement.
The report does not include a response from Saudi Arabia, the Houthis or other governments. The announcement establishes a British commitment to assist Saudi air operations through air-to-air refuelling. The available information does not establish whether the UK will provide any additional military support or take part in combat operations.
This independently written report is based on information supplied by the named publisher. Vertrix News has not independently verified the source report.