France Deploys Military Assets to Protect Key Saudi Oil Port

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on September 24 that his country will send 'military means' to protect the Saudi port of Yanbu, a key site for oil exports. The decision was made in coordination with the Saudi authorities.

The Yanbu port serves as a route for transporting several million barrels of oil and has been severely damaged by an attack from Yemen's Houthis, according to Macron. France will send soldiers, radars, and defense systems to protect the site, but Macron emphasized that the French military does not intend to take part in any fighting.

'Not to involve ourselves in any conflict, but to protect the site,' Macron clarified. The move is aimed at helping to secure oil exports from the Red Sea region.

Macron also discussed a 'worrying situation' that is becoming more tense, particularly for Ukraine and Europeans. He stated that hostile acts have multiplied across Europe in recent weeks, and Moscow now sees Europe as 'Ukraine's strategic depth,' especially because Europeans are supporting Kyiv.