UK to send advisers to Saudi Arabia, considers further help as Houthis choke Red Sea: Report

After US President Donald Trump's refusal to strike the Houthis, Saudi Arabia has reportedly asked the United Kingdom for help against the Iran-backed, Yemen-based Houthis, who have attacked the kingdom frequently in recent days and choked the Red Sea.

After US President Donald Trump's refusal to intervene, Saudi Arabia has asked the United Kingdom for help in defending itself against Houthi strikes on its energy infrastructure, according to Bloomberg.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has agreed to send military advisers to Saudi Arabia to support defensive operations and is considering requests for further assistance, including support in planning and executing offensive actions against the Iran-backed, Yemen-based Houthis.

Burnham is considering the requests after being warned by advisers that absolute Houthi control of the Bab al-Mandeb strait, the southern gateway to the Red Sea, would have a "catastrophic" impact on international shipping and deal another blow to the global economy — and further weaken the British economy that has already been grappling with sluggish growth and a cost-of-living crisis for several quarters.