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France will send military personnel and defence equipment to Saudi Arabia to help protect the kingdom’s key oil facilities at Yanbu from potential attacks, French President Emmanuel Macron said.
Speaking in an interview with French television channels TF1 and France 2 on Thursday evening, Macron said France would deploy troops, radar systems and air-defence equipment to help secure the Yanbu oil terminal.
“We are going to send military equipment,” Macron said. “This will include troops, radars and defence systems to ensure that this facility is protected.”
The move comes amid heightened security concerns around key waterways in the Middle East. The Houthi movement has gained control of parts of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline, increasing concerns over regional influence around the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Hormuz, both critical routes for global energy supplies.
Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest crude oil exporter, has become increasingly reliant on the Red Sea port of Yanbu for oil exports amid concerns over disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.
Houthi forces, which are backed by Iran, have previously targeted Saudi oil facilities, including installations operated by state-owned oil giant Saudi Aramco in Yanbu.
France’s decision to provide military support comes as Riyadh seeks to strengthen protection of its critical oil infrastructure. Saudi Arabia has not yet officially commented on the French announcement. Source: Times of Israel.