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(https://x.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.the-sun.com%2Fnews%2F17039393%2Fraf-gives-air-support-saudi-houthi-rebels&text=RAF%20to%20give%20air%20support%20to%20Saudi%20Arabia%20as%20it%20fights%20Iran-backed%20Houthi%20rebels)      (https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.the-sun.com%2Fnews%2F17039393%2Fraf-gives-air-support-saudi-houthi-rebels&t=RAF%20to%20give%20air%20support%20to%20Saudi%20Arabia%20as%20it%20fights%20Iran-backed%20Houthi%20rebels)       (17039393.html#thesun-openweb-comments-container)   Comment now   Next        THE RAF is set to give Saudi Arabia air support to help combat Houthi terrorists targeting ships in a key trade route. A military jet is being sent to assist the Arab Kingdom in repelling the Iran-backed militia, who are causing havoc in the Gulf. (A Royal Air Force Voyager Multi Role Tanker Transport flying at low altitude over Suffolk, UK)  The UK will send a Voyager tanker (stock) Credit: Alamy   A Voyager tanker will depart Britain’s Cyprus base, RAF Akrotiri in the coming days to assist Saudi top guns with air-to-air refuelling. Advertisement   Speaking on his way to the United Nations in New York overnight, PM Andy Burnham said: “We have received a request from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for military support, and I agreed to that.” Sign up for The US Sun newsletter   Thank you!    (thesuncom) (f05f0ab181)  (/news/17039393/)  (news) () Email address      Please provide a valid email.    (Sign up)   Your info will be used in accordance with our (https://newsprivacy.co.uk/) Privacy Policy   You'll now receive top stories, breaking news, and more, straight to your email.   (1)    It is Mr Burnham’s first major military intervention since becoming PM. The UK will provide “defensive air-to-air refuelling” support, he said. Houthi strikes on ships in the Bab al-Mandab strait have disrupted trade and contributed to the soaring price of oil.  The decades-long conflict between Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia has reignited in recent weeks with tit-for-tat strikes between both sides. The conflict broke out after years of relative peace near the beginning of the US-Israeli war with Iran in February. Over the last few weeks, the Iranian-backed proxy have claimed key islands and territories by the Bab al-Mandab strait – a key naval chokepoint which leads to one of the most important global trade routes, the Suez Canal. Most read in The US Sun  (https://www.the-sun.com/news/17038931/richard-allen-delphi-trial-confession-judges-appeal/) ()     OVER PROTECTED Snapchat killer's fans cheer as judge snaps over poop-covered confession     (https://www.the-sun.com/news/17038145/patrick-clancy-body-language-expert-signs-anger-interview/) ()     'DECEPTION' THEORY Patrick Clancy 'anger signs' and new wife's signals explained by expert     (https://www.the-sun.com/news/17038834/west-side-nut-club-fall-festival-evansville-indiana-start/) ()   GOING NUTS Just days until 'Best Fall Festival in America'  attracting 200k visitors begins        The shipping artery, reached by passing through the Red Sea, could spark global energy chaos if shut off – much like the Strait of Hormuz. Advertisement   Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil exporter, has also been forced to cut its shipments after Houthi strikes targeted one of its most important pipelines – rendering it useless for weeks. The UK’s support for Saudi Arabia could begin within the next few days, The Times reports. Mr Burnham made the comments ahead of his first meeting with Donald Trump. The PM is expected to urge the US president to tone down his war with Iran while pointing out the far-reaching consequences on ordinary people.  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