UK deploys Typhoon jets, France sends assets to Saudi Arabia as Yemen conflict escalates
· World · Al Jazeera, New York Times
France has begun deploying military assets to Saudi Arabia to protect the Red Sea port city of Yanbu after President Emmanuel Macron committed troops and air defence systems, following Houthi attacks. The UK announced plans on Tuesday to deploy Typhoon fighter jets to fly defensive counter-air missions and send military advisers to Saudi Arabia, specifically to shield the kingdom from Houthi attacks. Saudi-led coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki reported that Houthi attacks targeting Riyadh and Abha airports this month killed 19 people and injured over 300 others. Analysts say the European deployments serve geopolitical purposes, including protecting Saudi oil exports important to European energy markets and shoring up Gulf alliances amid US reluctance to offer direct military assistance.
Why it matters
The deployments risk drawing France and the UK more directly into the Saudi-Houthi conflict, potentially escalating a protracted regional war that threatens global energy supplies and European security interests.
Read the original report — Al Jazeera
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