LONDON, April 13, 2024 (AFP) – The UK government said Saturday it was sending additional fighter jets to the Middle East and would intercept airborne attacks as needed after Iran launched strikes on Israel.
Tehran’s unprecedented drone and missile attack marked a major escalation of the long-running covert war between the regional foes.
Iran had repeatedly threatened to retaliate against Israel for a deadly April 1 air strike on its Damascus consular annexe, and Washington had warned in recent days that the reprisals were imminent.
“In response to increased Iranian threats and the growing risk of escalation in the Middle East, the UK government has been working with partners across the region to encourage de-escalation and prevent further attacks,” Britain’s Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
“We have moved several additional Royal Air Force jets and air refuelling tankers to the region. These will bolster Operation Shader, which is the UK’s existing counter-Daesh operation in Iraq and Syria,” the ministry added, using an alternate name for the Islamic State group.
“In addition, these UK jets will intercept any airborne attacks within range of our existing missions, as required.”
The statement also said that Britain would “continue to cooperate closely with our regional partners in the interest of de-escalation”.
