British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated on Monday that the Royal Air Force will provide "defensive" air-to-air refuelling for Saudi planes. This agreement, which is time-limited and under review, comes after Saudi Arabia requested military support following renewed conflict with Yemen's Houthis. The Houthis have launched missile and drone strikes on Saudi Arabia and seized the crucial port city of Mocha and Red Sea islands, impacting shipping traffic through the Bab al-Mandeb. Burnham emphasized the mission is to secure British and regional interests by keeping oil pathways open, and will involve one RAF Voyager supporting Saudi aircraft defending against attacks, not for offensive strikes against the Houthis.