UK to Refuel Saudi Jets as Houthi Attacks Rise

Britain has agreed to give Saudi Arabia limited military help by letting Royal Air Force Voyager tankers refuel Saudi jets in the air. Prime Minister Andy Burnham made the announcement on September 22, 2026 as he travelled to the UN General Assembly in New York. The refuelling deal will last for a few weeks and will be reviewed regularly. It comes after Iran‑backed Houthi rebels in Yemen stepped up missile and drone strikes on Saudi territory, including an attack on Riyadh on September 19 that was intercepted. The Houthis have also imposed a blockade on Saudi shipping in the Bab el‑Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea, hitting Saudi‑linked vessels and oil sites. Earlier this month they captured the key Yemeni port of Mokha and several Red Sea islands, giving them better watch over the Bab el‑Mandeb, a choke point through which roughly 12 % of global trade moves. Burnham said the UK is acting to protect British interests and keep oil routes open for the region. Britain condemned the Houthi attacks and pledged to work with partners to maintain stability, protect civilians and aid humanitarian access. While U.S. forces have stepped back this time, Saudi Arabia has asked allies such as France, Britain, Pakistan and Egypt for air‑defence help. The RAF Voyager will begin its refuelling missions in the coming days, supporting Saudi defensive flights.