The United Kingdom has widened its military support for Saudi Arabia in its campaign against the Houthis. The expanded mission includes air patrols described as defensive. British aircraft would be allowed to attack missiles and drones while they are in the air. Streeting said the aircraft would not strike Houthi positions or other targets on the ground. This limits the role to intercepting aerial threats rather than joining ground attacks. The support is intended to protect Saudi forces and infrastructure from incoming weapons. It also draws a boundary around Britain's direct involvement in the regional conflict.