UK to Provide Indirect Support, Including Midair Refueling, to Help Saudi Arabia Counter Houthi Rebels

The Associated Press reported that as Saudi Arabia struggles against intense offensives by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, the United Kingdom has decided to provide indirect military support, including midair refueling.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham told reporters on board his flight on September 21 (local time) while traveling to attend the UN General Assembly in New York that the UK Royal Air Force has decided to provide aerial refueling to Saudi aircraft.

Prime Minister Burnham stated, "Saudi Arabia is under attack, and given the potential for further turmoil ahead, we are acting to protect the interests of the UK and the wider region," adding, "We need to keep oil lanes open."

He condemned the Houthi attacks and stated that the UK will work with allies to support regional stability, provide humanitarian aid, and protect civilians.

Burnham added that this arrangement will be in effect for several weeks and will remain under continuous review.

British government officials did not provide detailed explanations regarding the support, but stated that the agreement will be implemented within days and that Royal Air Force Voyager aircraft will conduct midair refueling for Saudi aircraft performing defensive missions.

The Houthi rebels have recently seized key choke points in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea, and are attacking oil facilities and vessels in Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter.

On September 20, the Houthi rebels launched airstrikes targeting oil tanks near the Saudi capital of Riyadh, prompting air raid sirens to be sounded around Riyadh for the first time since the clashes between the two sides began.

The AP previously reported on September 16, citing regional sources, that after running low on interceptor missile stocks following successive clashes with Houthi rebels, Saudi Arabia requested allied nations including France, the UK, Pakistan, and Egypt to deploy air defense assets.

Saudi Arabia has also asked the United States, with which it has maintained close ties, to support it against the Houthi attacks, but the U.S. government has shown reluctance.

The New York Times (NYT) and other outlets reported that U.S. President Donald Trump received urgent requests for military assistance from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on September 10 and again on September 17, but ultimately declined to accommodate Saudi Arabia's demands.
(Photo: Getty Images)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.