Britain agrees to provide aerial refueling support to Saudi military against Houthis

The United Kingdom has agreed to give Saudi Arabia military support against Houthi fighters in the Middle East. The help will include aerial refuelling, which allows Saudi military aircraft to stay in the air longer during operations. Prime Minister Andy Burnham approved the decision after Saudi Arabia asked for assistance. It is one of his first major military choices since becoming Prime Minister. The UK government also plans to encourage other countries to support Saudi Arabia. Officials say the Houthis, a militant group backed by Iran, have attacked Saudi Arabia and threatened the Bab el-Mandab Strait. This strait is an important shipping route that connects the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean. The UK says the support is needed to help bring stability to the region.