UK makes military pledge to Saudi Arabia

London will deploy an RAF tanker as Riyadh’s confrontation with Yemen’s Houthis intensifies, the Ministry of Defense has said The UK has pledged military assistance to Saudi Arabia as tensions with Yemen’s Houthis intensify, citing growing risks to regional trade and energy supplies.Hostilities between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have intensified in recent weeks after several years of relative calm. The Houthis have launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi territory, while Riyadh-backed government forces have battled the group inside Yemen.Britain will deploy an RAF Voyager air-to-air refueling aircraft to the region following a request from Riyadh. The aircraft will provide refueling support for Saudi “defensive activity” in Yemen, the Ministry of Defense said on Tuesday.Riyadh has reportedly sought military assistance from several countries as its stocks of missile interceptors come under pressure. US President Donald Trump reportedly considered strikes on the Houthis over the weekend after Riyadh sought direct American military action, but ultimately held off. Washington has instead provided Riyadh with intelligence and targeting data. Th...