UK to send RAF Typhoons to defend Saudi Arabia from Houthi attacks

Britain will send RAF Typhoon fighter jets to defend Saudi Arabia against attacks by Yemen's Houthis. The Guardian, Al Jazeera, CNBC, The New York Times and Deutsche Welle all report it.

Al Jazeera says the Ministry of Defence described the jets' role as defensive. They will not be used to attack the Houthis. CNBC also reports the jets will not take part in offensive strikes.

The Guardian reports the jets will fly over Saudi cities and critical infrastructure. RAF pilots will try to shoot down Houthi missiles and drones. The paper links the mission to attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities.

The New York Times says Britain announced the deployment after a spike in attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militia. Deutsche Welle describes the Houthis as Iran-aligned and says they have launched repeated attacks on the kingdom.

The Guardian says Prime Minister Andy Burnham signed off the operation. It calls it the most significant military mission he has approved. It says Western allies are stepping up their involvement in the escalating conflict.