In a written statement on Tuesday, the defense secretary, Wes Streeting, confirmed that the UK would deploy a detachment of the RAF Typhoon jets to Saudi Arabia. The mission, which is described as a defensive operation, is supposed to help the kingdom to boost their air defense capabilities in an effort to defend the cities and critical infrastructure. The British operation would be a second joint effort agreed upon by European capitals in light of the President of the United States’ decision not to intervene despite a long-standing security cooperation between the two nations. A development that shows a major desperation of the Kingdoms’ leadership to procure at least any kind of support of its allies, as its dependence on the US became its weakness, and partners in the recently formed Mecca alliance have shown to be unwilling to step in.
A kingdom at siege
Since September of this year, Saudi Arabia has continued to feel the cost of the renewed civil war in Yemen. The kingdom, which is ideologically and politically aligned with the internationally recognized Yemeni government (currently seated in the de facto capital Aden) for years, has engaged in the conflict against Iran-backed Houthis (seated in the de jure capital of the country, Sana), who effectively are in control of the north of the country. The confrontation has cost the Kingdom and its de facto leader, Mohammad Bin Salman, a lot of trouble after numerous strikes at an oil refinery and recently a deadly strike at the King Khalid Airport that has taken 12 lives. However, as the Houthis move to get their hold on the majority of the country, the question remains open about how much political and economic power the kingdom will still possess to retaliate against the heavily entrenched enemy.
