France Deploys Troops to Protect Saudi Energy Sites
France has pledged to send troops and military assets to Saudi Arabia to protect its critical energy sites in the Red Sea region from attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen. According to French President Emmanuel Macron, the deployment will include soldiers, radars, and defense systems to secure energy infrastructure in the coastal city of Yanbu.
The move is part of France's efforts to ensure energy security and combat high gas prices at home amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The conflict between the US and Iran has left the Strait of Hormuz blockaded, threatening oil exports from Red Sea ports.
In recent weeks, the Houthi militia has repeatedly attacked Saudi Arabia, with six ballistic missiles shot down by the Saudi-led military coalition targeting Yanbu and Taif. Macron emphasized that French troops will not engage in combat but focus on protecting energy sites.