France and the UK are deploying military assets to Saudi Arabia to help defend against Houthi attacks, but analysts warn this could draw them deeper into the conflict.
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01Summary
- 01France began sending troops and air defence systems to Saudi Arabia last week to protect the Red Sea port of Yanbu.
- 02The UK on Tuesday announced it would deploy Typhoon fighter jets for defensive counter-air missions and provide military advisers.
- 03Houthi attacks on Saudi airports in Riyadh and Abha this month killed 19 people and injured over 300, according to Saudi-led coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki.
- 04Analysts say the European deployments risk being seen as offensive by the Houthis, potentially making their forces targets.
- 05The UK will also provide air-to-air refuelling support for Saudi bombers and jets heading into Yemeni airspace, according to RUSI research fellow Urban Coningham.
02Why it matters
Increased European military involvement could escalate the Saudi-Houthi conflict, putting UK and French personnel at risk and potentially destabilising regional energy markets vital to Europe.
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