France Sends Military Support to Saudi Arabia
France will deploy troops and air-defence capabilities to Saudi Arabia to help protect the kingdom’s Red Sea energy infrastructure as Houthi missile and drone attacks intensify. President Emmanuel Macron said French military assistance would focus on safeguarding Yanbu, a strategically important Saudi oil export hub.
France Moves to Protect Saudi Red Sea Oil Route
Macron said France would send military personnel and defensive systems to help secure Yanbu and surrounding energy infrastructure.
Yanbu is connected to Saudi Arabia’s oil-producing regions near the Gulf through the East-West Pipeline, also known as Petroline. The route allows Saudi crude to reach the Red Sea without passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Protecting Yanbu has become increasingly important as instability around both Hormuz and the Red Sea threatens global energy supplies.
Houthi Attacks Target Saudi Arabia
Saudi forces said they intercepted six ballistic missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthis towards locations including Taif and Yanbu.
The Houthis later claimed missile and drone attacks against Saudi Aramco facilities in Yanbu and what they described as a sensitive target in Riyadh.
Saudi authorities also issued security warnings covering Mecca, Jeddah, Yanbu, Tabuk and Taif amid fears of additional attacks.
European Allies Increase Saudi Defence Support
France’s deployment follows growing international concern over Houthi advances in Yemen and attacks on Saudi territory and commercial shipping.
A Greek-operated Patriot air-defence system stationed in Saudi Arabia also intercepted a ballistic missile and drone near Yanbu during the latest attacks.
France has repeatedly condemned Houthi military operations and supports maintaining freedom of navigation through the Red Sea.
The widening international involvement highlights the strategic importance of protecting Saudi energy infrastructure as disruptions across West Asia continue to place pressure on global oil transportation routes.
