The U.K. said it would provide defensive military support, including fighter jets, to support Saudi Arabia as attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels escalate.
The Houthis, a Yemeni militant group, have launched a series of strikes on Saudi targets in recent weeks. Airport attacks in the capital city of Riyadh led to multiple fatalities, flight cancellations and property damage, while facilities belonging to oil giant Saudi Aramco were targeted last week.
"The continuing attacks from the Houthis on our ally Saudi Arabia are absolutely despicable. The targeting of the airport in Riyadh in particular shows the lengths the Houthis are going to escalate the situation in the region," U.K. Defense Secretary Wes Streeting said in a statement on Tuesday.
He added that Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets will fly defensive air missions to help protect Saudi airspace from drones and missiles.
"This builds on the UK equipment and personnel we already have in the country to defend against Houthi air attacks," Streeting said.