France Deploys Defensive Assets to Saudi Arabia Amid Yemen Conflict

France has announced plans to send only defensive military assets to Saudi Arabia, which will be used to protect oil exports through the Red Sea. The move is in response to a recent attack on the Yanbu crude oil export terminal by Yemeni Houthi rebels. According to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, the deployment of soldiers, radars, and defensive systems is strictly defensive and not an indication that France will be party to the war.

Barrot emphasized that France has previously deployed military assets to protect its allies without being considered belligerent. He cited the example of operations to protect the airspace of the United Arab Emirates from Iranian drones as a similar precedent. The scale of the new deployment will depend on the needs expressed by Saudi Arabia, France's capabilities, and developments in the situation.

The decision has sparked calls for a parliamentary debate, with radical left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon calling for a vote under Article 35 of the French Constitution. Barrot suggested that there would be 'thousands of opportunities' for debate, but recommended waiting until after a four-month period before considering such a vote.