What happened
The Royal Air Force is deploying fighter jets to Saudi Arabia to defend the Kingdom against missile attacks by Houthi rebels. The deployment is in response to weeks of airstrikes by the Iranian-backed group based in neighboring Yemen.
British Typhoon fighter jets will be used to shoot down Houthi missiles and attack drones aimed at Saudi cities, airports, and energy infrastructure. The UK government has stated that there will be no offensive strikes, and the mission is purely defensive.
The deployment is seen as a way to protect Saudi Arabia's oil exports, which are crucial to the global economy. The Houthis have been seeking to disrupt these exports, and have launched a series of deadly strikes on Saudi airports and other infrastructure.
The UK has a long-standing relationship with Saudi Arabia, and British personnel are already deployed to the country as military advisers. The deployment of RAF fighter jets is seen as a way to strengthen this relationship and protect UK economic and security interests.
