The United Kingdom announced on October 20, 2026, it will deploy RAF Typhoon fighters to provide defensive air patrols for Saudi Arabia, responding to escalating attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. This move comes after Houthi attacks killed at least 53 security recruits in a military camp on October 19, 2026, and five people at a presidential palace in Aden on October 15, 2026.

These attacks have significantly heightened concerns for civilian safety, regional stability, and international travel in Yemen and the broader Middle East. The violence has intensified since July, unraveling a UN-mediated truce agreed in 2022.

Escalating Houthi Attacks

On October 7, 2026, the Houthi militia reportedly targeted Aden International Airport with two ballistic missiles and explosive-laden drones. The Yemeni government called on the UN Security Council to condemn this “terrorist attack” and ensure accountability, including the full and effective implementation of the arms embargo imposed on the militia.

Just over a week later, on October 15, 2026, Houthi forces launched a missile attack on the Al-Maashiq Presidential Palace in Aden, resulting in five fatalities, including two members of the Prime Minister's security detail, and 16 injuries. The Prime Minister and other government officials were reported safe. Another incident at Aden International Airport occurred on October 16, 2026, when two missiles landed within the airport's perimeter, narrowly missing a Yemenia Airways flight. This was the second such incident at the airport in less than a week.

The deadliest attack occurred on October 19, 2026, when a Houthi ballistic missile struck the Al-Alam military camp in Yemen’s Shabwa province. This attack killed at least 53 security recruits, with some reports indicating up to 73, and wounded over 200. Hospitals in Shabwa were overwhelmed, necessitating the transfer of seriously wounded individuals to neighboring Hadramout and Aden.

International Response

In response to the escalating violence, the United Kingdom announced its deployment of RAF Typhoon fighters to provide defensive air patrols for Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Egypt's parliament on October 19, 2026, delayed a debate on President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's request for military support for Saudi Arabia. The European Union expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and Yemen, highlighting the catastrophic humanitarian situation and pledging additional assistance.

Houthi Claims of Responsibility

The Houthis claimed responsibility for both the October 15 palace attack and the October 16 airport attack. Following the palace attack, the Houthis claimed they were targeting a Saudi military operations center or headquarters in the Badr camp and a weapons depot within the complex. For the Al-Alam military camp strike, the Houthis acknowledged the attack, describing the camp as a concentration of “Saudi enemy” forces managed by Saudi officers.

What we could not confirm

The exact final casualty count from the Al-Alam military camp attack in Shabwa province could not be confirmed, as reports varied between at least 53 and up to 73 fatalities. The outcome of Egypt's parliamentary debate regarding President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's request for military support for Saudi Arabia remains unconfirmed. A government military source also expressed fear that the strikes could lead to a ground offensive, which could not be confirmed as having occurred.