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UK to deploy fighter jets to defend Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks

UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting described the continuing Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia as “absolutely despicable”.

• October 20, 2026
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting(Credit: BBC)
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting(Credit: BBC)

The United Kingdom says it will deploy fighter jets to protect Saudi Arabia against Houthi missile and drone attacks.

In a statement on Tuesday, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the aircraft would serve in a defensive role for the country.

“These aircraft will operate in a defensive role and will not conduct offensive strikes against the Houthis,” he said. “That’s why today I have approved further UK military ‌support.”

He described the continuing Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia as “absolutely despicable”.

Mr Streeting added that the targeting of Riyadh’s airport demonstrated the extent to which the Houthis were escalating tensions in the region.

Peoples Gazette earlier reported that Yemen’s Houthi militants struck King Khalid International Airport on Saturday, killing 12 people and injuring more than 300.

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