Clashes in Yemen between Saudi-backed government forces and Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have resulted in 154 casualties over the past two days.
Military sources from both sides reported to Afp that "the toll from Saudi attacks, clashes, and artillery strikes in the governorates of Taiz, Al-Jawf, Marib, and Saada stands at 118 dead," while government sources mentioned 36 soldiers killed on their side.
Meanwhile, as tensions in the Middle East continue to raise concerns about energy prices and the global economy, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that the UK has agreed to provide defensive air support to Saudi Arabia to help counter Houthi attacks and protect the Gulf monarchy's energy infrastructure. "We received a request for military support from Saudi Arabia and I have agreed to provide air-to-air refueling support," Burnham told reporters en route to New York.
According to the Guardian, London has accepted Riyadh's request for assistance in refueling Saudi jets involved in defense operations. Specifically, Burnham confirmed that a Royal Air Force Voyager aircraft will be deployed for several weeks, with the possibility of extending the mission. This operation complements the already operational Sky Sabre air defense system in Saudi Arabia.
Simultaneously, G7 foreign ministers condemned "the unacceptable continuation of attacks" launched from Yemen against Saudi Arabia and urged the Iran-backed rebel group to immediately cease hostilities: "We call on the Houthis to immediately stop all military actions, threats, and attacks against civilian merchant ships and to return to the political process in good faith," stated the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States in a joint statement.
Highlighting that Tehran is violating previous United Nations Security Council resolutions, the G7 foreign ministers also urged Iran to "end the arming and support of the Houthis."
(Associated Medias) - All rights reserved