The British Akrotiri base in Cyprus is once again taking on a central operational role in developments in the Middle East. Soon, an aerial refueling aircraft, Voyager, of the Royal Air Force, will operate from there to support Saudi fighter jets in countering Houthi attacks from Yemen. This was announced by the British government, emphasizing that the decision was made following an official request from Riyadh for military support and that the mission is expected, initially, to last a few weeks.
According to British Defense Minister Luke Pollard, the mission will be “purely defensive” in nature. As he explained, aerial refueling will allow Saudi fighter jets to remain in the air longer so that, among other things, to intercept unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles launched by the Houthis. Britain clarifies that the Voyager will not participate in offensive strikes against targets in Yemen, while emphasizing that the military operation will be conducted in accordance with international humanitarian law.
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The Houthis attacked airports in Saudi Arabia
Attacks on Riyadh and Energy Facilities
The British decision follows the escalation of Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, involving drones and ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh, as well as energy facilities on the Red Sea coast.
The British Foreign Office has condemned the attacks, stating that Riyadh and the internationally recognized government of Yemen have the right to defend their security and sovereignty in accordance international law.
London has also expressed particular concern over the Houthis’ advance along the Red Sea coast and around the strategically important Bab al-Mandeb Strait. In a recent statement to the UN Security Council, Britain warned that these developments pose a direct threat to one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.
Burnam: Link to Energy Security and the Cost of Living
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham directly linked the decision to the protection of the United Kingdom’s economic and energy interests.
Speaking to reporters while en route to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, he noted that Saudi Arabia is under attack and faces the risk of further unrest, emphasizing the need to keep critical energy and trade routes open.
For his part, Luke Pollard stated that the goal of British support is to prevent further escalation in the Red Sea, which could have additional repercussions on fuel prices in Britain.
Source: CNA
