The United Kingdom has approved the deployment of Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon fighter jets to defend Saudi Arabia against attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels, The Independent reported.

The Ministry of Defence said the aircraft would conduct defensive counter-air missions to protect Saudi cities and critical national infrastructure from drone and missile attacks, without launching offensive strikes against Houthi targets.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting condemned the attacks, particularly the strike on Riyadh’s international airport, which reportedly killed at least 13 people and injured more than 300 others.

The UK will also send military advisers and an Atlas A400M transport aircraft to support the movement of equipment. The deployment adds to existing British military assistance to Saudi Arabia.

Downing Street said the support was intended to protect civilians and strengthen regional security while supporting diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.