Yemen front and the region
UK deploys Typhoon jets to defend Saudi Arabia as Houthi missile is intercepted over Riyadh
London announced RAF Typhoons will fly defensive missions to protect Saudi cities, as a Houthi ballistic missile was intercepted over Riyadh. On the humanitarian front, more than 250,000 people have been displaced in Yemen since August, while aid groups warn water and medicine are running out in Taiz.
Summary
- ConfirmedBritain expands defensive support to Saudi Arabia with Typhoon jets, ruling out offensive strikes.
- ConfirmedCoalition intercepts a Houthi ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh; two blasts heard in the capital.
- ConfirmedMore than 250,000 displaced in Yemen since August, with Taiz at the centre of the crisis.
- ConfirmedRights group warns Taiz water supply has fallen 50% and medicines are nearly exhausted.
- AttributedIRGC claims it downed a US drone over Hormuz; no US confirmation.
Displaced in Yemen between 1 August and 17 October
UNHCR via Anadolu 10:15ZShare of new departures originating in Taiz
UNHCR via Anadolu 10:15ZDrop in Taiz water supply
HRW via Anadolu 10:13ZDevelopments in this window
- ConfirmedSaudi Arabia
UK deploys Typhoon jets to protect Saudi cities from Houthi attacks
The UK government said RAF Typhoon fighters will fly defensive counter-air missions to protect Saudi cities and critical infrastructure. It said the aircraft will not conduct offensive strikes against the Houthis. The package also includes an A400M transport aircraft, military advisers and an extension of air-to-air refuelling support.
- ConfirmedDiplomacy
Tom Barrack: US ground intervention against the Houthis looks futile
US special envoy Tom Barrack told the Global Security Forum in Doha that any US ground intervention in Yemen against the Houthis appears futile. He said negotiations involving Saudi Arabia, the Houthis and regional mediators were a better alternative. He stressed Washington is not abandoning its partners.
Source: Anadolu Agency - ConfirmedRiyadh
Coalition says it intercepted Houthi ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh
Coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki said a ballistic missile fired by the Houthis towards Riyadh was intercepted and destroyed. AFP journalists reported hearing two blasts in the capital. Civil defence issued an early warning and lifted it minutes later. There was no information on damage or casualties.
Source: Euronews Macau Business (AFP) - AttributedStrait of Hormuz
IRGC claims it shot down a US MQ-9 drone over the Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said their air defences downed a US MQ-9 drone over the Strait of Hormuz overnight. The statement repeated the claim that two tankers caught fire after hitting mines south of the strait. There was no US confirmation at the time of publication.
Source: Borna News - AttributedDiplomacy
China denies supplying Houthi missile components, offers to investigate
China's chargé d'affaires to Yemen, Shao Zheng, rejected reports that Chinese companies supplied equipment and components linked to Houthi missile programmes, calling them baseless. He said Beijing is ready to receive any information from the Yemeni government and investigate thoroughly. No new evidence on the allegations has been published.
Source: Arab News Japan - ConfirmedYemen
UNHCR: more than 250,000 displaced in Yemen since August
The UN refugee agency said more than 250,000 people were displaced between 1 August and 17 October, up from about 213,000 previously reported. Taiz accounts for 76% of departures. It said around 33,700 families still need shelter and that schools in Kharaz camp in Lahj closed again.
Source: Anadolu Agency - ConfirmedTaiz
Human Rights Watch: Taiz water down 50%, medicines nearly exhausted
Human Rights Watch warned that aid groups distributed the last available food parcels in Taiz last week. It said water supplies have dropped by 50% and that medicines, oxygen and fuel in hospitals are running out. It urged the Houthis to lift the siege immediately; the group denies imposing one.
Source: Anadolu Agency