British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is considering expanding military assistance to Saudi Arabia as Iranian-backed Houthi forces advance along Yemen’s western coastline toward the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Bloomberg reported.

Britain has already approved the deployment of military advisers to Riyadh as Saudi Arabia works to halt the Houthi advance and protect critical oil infrastructure from missile and drone attacks.

According to the report, Saudi Arabia formally requested broad diplomatic and military support from London, including operational assistance against the Houthis and specialized support for the defense of the kingdom’s energy facilities.

It remains unclear whether Burnham has approved additional military assistance beyond the deployment of British advisers.

British officials are particularly concerned that the Houthis could seize control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial global shipping route connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Burnham’s national security advisers reportedly warned that Houthi control of the waterway could have “catastrophic” consequences for the global economy.

The development follows days of escalating Houthi missile and drone attacks against Saudi cities and energy infrastructure. The terrorists have also made significant territorial gains, including the capture of the strategic port city of Mokha.

The growing threat prompted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to hold an urgent meeting with U.S. Central Command commander Admiral Brad Cooper.

Saudi Arabia has also asked the United States to directly intervene against the Houthis. President Trump has not authorized American strikes but has pledged increased intelligence-sharing and targeting assistance to Riyadh.

Regional sources cited by Reuters said the latest Houthi offensive was coordinated with operational support and technical guidance from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Tehran denies directing the campaign.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)