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Saudi Arabia has asked the United Kingdom for military assistance to counter Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi forces, with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham considering the request, according to Bloomberg.
Riyadh has sought a range of diplomatic and military support, including operational assistance to push back the Houthis’ advance along Yemen’s Red Sea coast towards the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait and help defend Saudi territory and oil infrastructure from attacks.
The UK has already agreed to send military advisers to Saudi Arabia, while Burnham is considering further assistance, according to reports. London has previously condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and warned that the violence threatens regional stability, freedom of navigation and vital trade routes through the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab.
The request comes after the Houthis advanced along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and gained effective control of key areas around the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and providing access to the Suez Canal.
The developments have increased pressure on Saudi Arabia, which has faced disruptions to its oil infrastructure amid the wider regional conflict. The Bab al-Mandab route has become particularly important for Saudi oil shipments after disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman had earlier sought US military assistance against the Houthis. Washington has so far indicated that it is not prepared to launch a new military campaign against the group, although it has offered intelligence and targeting support, according to reports.
The UK is weighing its response amid concerns that further disruption around Bab al-Mandab could affect global shipping, oil supplies and energy prices.
