India, Oct. 20 -- Britain announced Tuesday that it is expanding military support for Saudi Arabia against the Houthis to include "defensive" air patrols by Royal Air Force jets.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said Royal Air Force Typhoon jets will "conduct defensive counter-air operations over Saudi Arabia, helping to protect Saudi cities, civilian populations and critical national infrastructure from Houthi attack." He said the British planes won't strike Houthi targets.

The UK will also send a military transport and an unspecified number of military advisers to Saudi Arabia, Streeting said.

The announcement follows Britain's decision last month to offer in-air refuelling of Saudi planes operating against the Iran-backed rebels. Tha...